Ordinary Days

By Linda H. Williams

When Lives Intersect, The Ordinary Becomes Extraordinary! Most of us look forward to exciting events, often bypassing the everyday ones, and labeling them as mundane. But according to Linda H. Williams, Co-founder of With Love From Jesus (WLFJ) Ministries and author, it's the ordinary days that take on great and special meaning when God is invol

• Language: English
• Publisher: Studio Griffin
• Release date: Aug 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781954818361

Linda H. Williams

Linda and Sam, her husband of over fifty years, serve together with their family at With Love From Jesus (WLFJ) Ministries, where Linda has the role of Chief Executive Officer. Prior to WLFJ, Linda and her family served in prisons and crisis centers for more than twenty-five years. When not writing and serving at WLFJ, Linda enjoys spending time with her children, grandchildren and now great-grandchildren. She lives in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Introduction

Most of us love unusual and exciting events of life like vacations or special celebrations. In reading God’s Word, I’ve been impressed with how often the most amazing things happen in an ordinary/normal day. Mary, mother of Jesus, was met by the angel, Gabriel, in her normal day. Zechariah, the priest, was fulfilling his duties when he too was confronted by Gabriel. Abraham was standing at his tent door when God showed up for lunch and a conversation. Moses was tending the flocks of his father-in-law when God was revealed to him in a burning bush. Paul was traveling down the road when Jesus spoke to him from heaven. Rebekah came to the well to draw water for her family when a man asked her for a drink of water. Twenty-four hours later, her life changed forever. A jailer was going about his responsibilities when a sudden quake shook up the entire prison and set the prisoners free. David was delivering food to his brothers, stepped into the fight of his young life, and became a hero.

Planned getaways or birthdays are fun and important, yet the best stories come from the unexpected moments in our everyday journey called Life. A child’s first word or step seems to suddenly happen. You are tucking your child into bed (and you are ready to go to bed as well) when you realize she’s praying to receive Christ. You are running your errands and without warning, you have the blessing of leading a total stranger to the Lord. When lives intersect, life can totally change, and the ordinary takes on extraordinary.

The process of writing Ordinary Days has stretched over several years. The title was sealed in my heart nearly from the beginning. However, after last year (2020/21), it seems that ordinary and normal have taken on a great and marvelous meaning. The ordinary things and days of the past now are yearned for and seen by all of us as beautiful and special.

Documenting the works of God, so that we can review and share the testimonies of how He has worked, strengthens, and fortifies our faith. We become bolder when we remember and speak to each other about His mighty works. Many times, in the Bible, God instructs His people to remember, tell their children, and celebrate His past miracles, His works, and the many places where His goodness is displayed. Ordinary Days was written with the desire that it would become a tool in the hand of our great God to encourage us that the same God who has worked in the past, is the same God at work today. My prayer is that we would be sensitive and attentive to see when and how God works and quick to declare those mighty works to others.

A Quick Word About

How To Read ‘Ordinary Days’

Each chapter begins with a story that has a theme and is followed by writings that tie to the story. Some chapters are very short and others quite long. It can be used as a devotional by focusing on one thought each day or it can be read through at your own pace. I love slow and reflective, but also, simply reading for enjoyment. Either way works. You will find Bible stories, documentations from our ministry in the lives of people at With Love From Jesus Ministries, and also my personal life including family and friends.

Watching God show up in daily life never gets old. Enjoy and be encouraged!

Chapter 1

An Unlikely Family

From my early morning perch on the swing under the big shade tree in the front yard, I watch the grafted-in family members moving around the yard. The cats are munching on their food on the front porch as Chicken Bob, the huge and loud rooster, struts through the yard crowing and declaring ownership. The big white duck is waddling along with him, pecking, and quietly enjoying their friendship. 

Chicken Bob slowly meanders up the steps to the front porch and begins to maneuver himself between the cats to get to their food. For a few moments, they all continue to eat. Soon the cats stretch out on the porch as the rooster enjoys the feast. They know their food bowls will be filled again soon. The cats are content with a bit now and the promise of more to come. Rusty, the hound dog, stakes his claim at the boundary lines of the front yard, sniffing and growling—not at these strange family members but at different scents left by others who have dared to invade his sanctuary. It is a comical sight. 

The cats could easily devour Chicken Bob or the duck. The hound could scatter the entire group—but doesn't! They are all in this yard by invitation from the master (Greg) and his son (Aaron). They are family. The little gray fox, Todd, is just three-months old and still learning to live in harmony with this odd family. He's in his kennel or tethered to a small tree not often allowed to run free. He can't be trusted to live at peace yet. But he too will soon enjoy his unique place in this unusual family. Todd, like the duck, suffered rejection by the one that gave him natural birth. He will rise above it and will soon feel like he belongs to this new, incredible family. 

What a picture of the family of God! We all come to His family in our strange diversity and assorted pasts. All of God’s children have been grafted in (not naturally born) to His family because of the favor each has found in Christ Jesus. Rejection, hurt, wounded spirits and baggage follow us to this new family. We have great freedom to enjoy all the privileges, protection, and provision of the Yard, as we enjoy and respect each other. None have earned any right to be here, but The Master and His Son welcomed us and made provision for each one of us. 

In the natural, we could easily be enemies devouring each other, but in this Kingdom Yard, we are family. Our great God continually pours patience into us for our new family members who are still trying to fit into this beautiful Kingdom World. We all have had to learn repeatedly that for peace to reign among us there must be more give than take. It’s in the ordinary, daily life spent together that we learn and grow.

Thank you, fellow children of the King of Glory, for sharing the Yard with me and being Family! Our Yard is very different from those around us. How comical we must look to those outside the boundary lines peering in with great interest at this strange group. We are a very unlikely but wonderful family. May God the Holy Spirit continue to call others to join us! Truly, boundary lines have fallen for us in pleasant places! 

Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. Psalm 16:5-6 (NIV).

Becoming Family

Debbie had been much more than a friend for years. She definitely had her own special place in our family. Most holidays and special occasions included her. Our lives were rich with memories that included Debbie. Some were happy and others were sad times, but all were richer because of her valued presence in our gatherings.

Jim heard about With Love From Jesus from a radio announcement concerning our need for volunteers. He was in a place of transition, not working at the time and was led by the Lord to check us out. And, check us out he did! He came the next day to see the ministry and by the following day he was serving. Over a short period of time, his once-a-week commitment increased to four days each week. God’s plan for Jim continued to unfold and soon led to his transition from seeking work to full-time serving. Jim made his own place in our hearts and in the ministry God had given us to steward. His love for this work quickly knit our hearts together.

Often as I prayed for Debbie, Jim would come to my mind to pray for him as well. For months, I would follow God’s promptings as I prayed for Debbie to then pray for Jim. It was simply God’s leading as I prayed. One day, Greg was going to Debbie’s home to pick up a large piece of furniture she wanted to donate to the ministry. I knew, though it was large, that Greg had a plan and could take care of it. However, I asked Jim if he would ride along with Greg to be an extra set of hands and to enjoy the fellowship together as they worked. Never before or since had Jim been involved in a With Love From Jesus pickup. It seemed to be an uneventful meeting for Jim and Debbie.

One evening sometime later, Sam, Debbie and I were going to dinner (as we often did) and, without a second thought, I asked Jim if he’d like to join us. He came and we had a lovely evening together. There would be many times over the next few years that I would invite Jim to join the three of us. He always accepted the invitation. Both Debbie and Jim were mature adults who had established their own lives and routines. There was a time in each of their pasts that having a mate was something they prayed for and even pursued. However, at this time, though both were open to being in a relationship, neither had ever married, nor were in pursuit of a marriage partner. It’s interesting to me that we might often pray about something and set it aside either permanently or for the present. God remembers those prayers and is unfolding His plan in His time. One evening at the dinner table, I heard Jim ask Debbie for her phone number. The romance officially began!

Three years, eight and a half months after the furniture pick up, Jim and Debbie tied the knot. Family comes in many different ways. In Psalm 68:5, God says, To the fatherless he is a father. To the widow he is a champion friend. To the lonely he makes them part of a family (TPT). I find it quite interesting that in some circumstances, God simply covers the need Himself. He becomes the Father. He becomes the Friend. In other times, He uses one person to meet the need of another person. Jim’s dad was already with the Lord and his mom would soon be passing as well. Debbie’s mom had recently passed away and a few years later, her dad too would be in his heavenly home. Jim and Debbie would both be quick to say their lives were far from lonely. Yet, God took these two special friends and made them into a brand-new family. God is beautiful in His personal care of His people. Family is a big deal to our God.

While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. But the angel said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer.’ Luke 1:11-13 (NLT)

Every time I read these verses, a little chuckle rises up in me. I suspect that Zechariah was thinking, What prayer? He had long ago given up on this petition to the Lord for a child. He had forgotten but God had not.

Is there something that you were once moved to pray for but have long ago forgotten or given up? Is it because you consider it too late or no longer relevant? Ask God what He thinks.

Be encouraged.

Children in the Family

A little, special needs child came with his mom and dad to serve at With Love From Jesus. We were blessed to see his desire to be useful and his great enthusiasm as he stocked the shelves. Each time I passed him at work, he gave me a ‘high five.’ The joy on his face was contagious to volunteers and honored guests alike. In the scripture it says that a child will lead them. We were led by his great pleasure in serving and his excitement was contagious. He deposited that excitement into us as we had the pleasure of providing him an opportunity to serve.

Kelly is severely handicapped. Her helper brings her to serve. Kelly cannot hang an item of clothing nor do anything on her own. She can barely strain to hand an item of clothing to her aid to place it on the hanger and then to the rack. Kelly is learning to be a servant. She feels accepted and useful. It is our honor to provide her with a safe environment of acceptance where she too can serve. Her joy in serving is encouraging and convicting to us. She brings a dynamic to ministry that helps to make us complete. Volunteering is a beautiful two-way blessing!

Savannah, a sixth grader, came to serve on a Saturday with her family. It was a day that we were challenged with enough volunteers to cover the need. Savannah manned the canned goods shelf alone and did a great job. It’s a fast-paced part of the ministry and she handled it in stride. Her zeal to serve was beautiful. We were also giving away backpacks on that day. She loved helping other children pick out the perfect bag for their need. Her eyes seemed to be searching for any way possible to help. One of our shoppers, Marvin, is a difficult guest. He takes a long time to make his choices and always tries to discover a way to get something extra. He lingers and watches to see if something being stocked is better than what he already has. He has a very grumpy demeanor. Savannah was not affected at all. She smiled and looked for ways to serve him. He asked for clam chowder. She went through every can of soup trying to meet his request. When she finally found a can of minced clams, she was excited and couldn’t wait to give it to him. I watched as he approached checkout. Motivated by Savannah’s example, I carried him a can of evaporated milk. I explained how he could make clam chowder by combining it with the clams Savannah had found for him. He was pleased. Savannah’s sweet attitude challenged me to rise up. Her sweet servant spirit touched volunteers, honored guests, and—yes—me!

Children are great teachers. Both volunteers with special needs, as well as Savannah, taught us by their beautiful examples.

But Jesus said, Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14 (NIV)

"Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 18:4 (AMP)

God has called us to value and invest into the children around us. We are building the next generation. Is there a child that you need to include in your day or give an opportunity to serve with you? Is there someone with special needs that might need you to show them their value in the family of God, or that you need to learn from? Ask God to give you eyes to see what He sees and values as well as a teachable heart.

Be encouraged.

Protecting Family

Part of being family is protecting family. At With Love From Jesus, we have been a political-free zone for years. This simply means that we don’t discuss politics in our buildings. It’s one of the ways we take care of each other. Everyone is welcome to come and serve and our differences are not our focus. We all agree that there is only one way to Father God and that is through Jesus. We keep our eyes on Him, love each other well, and together serve those with many needs. We want to create a loving environment to welcome in Holy Spirit God, but we also want to make an oasis for the Body of Christ to be delivered from the talk of the world. We want those we serve to see our love for each other and desire to be a believer in Jesus too.

During the years 2020 and 2021, we carried this standard further. We embraced it to include a COVID-free zone. The ministry became a safe place for the Body to serve together and not be focused on the virus including the difference of opinions about masks and vaccines. The variety of opinions was unlimited. In this season, more than ever, our focus needed to stay on unity.

In this decision-making time for the ministry, I heard a message by Pastor Kris Vallotton that God used in my life. His message sparked a thought that Holy Spirit God kept growing in me. Jesus and John the Baptist were both on Planet Earth at the same time, were in the same family, and both came to earth as the result of a miracle. Both were anointed by God for a specific ministry. However, their ministries were very different. John didn’t perform miracles, but Jesus did. He didn’t drink wine and Jesus drank wine and even made it as His first recorded miracle. John focused on repentance while Jesus was revealing the love of the Father. John’s disciples fasted and Jesus’ didn’t.

Yet, in their great diversity, they esteemed each other. When others were critical of them, they defended each other. John said he wasn’t worthy to lace Jesus’ sandals while Jesus declared that there was none greater than John. When two of John’s disciples left him to join with Jesus, John wasn’t upset. Jesus came to John and embraced John’s ministry by being baptized by him. In that moment of beautiful unity, God spoke from heaven and Holy Spirit God descended upon Jesus in the form of a dove (see Matthew 3:13-17). John’s ministry of repentance cost him everything including his life. Jesus gave His life to make us His Body. Of course, John was human and Jesus, God. However, Jesus came to this earth as man.

The more I pondered the differences of these two men, I realized that they were both misunderstood by folks who were quick to criticize or take sides. They could have easily written (and did) the book on how to navigate a world where their great differences were regarded as one being wrong and the other right. They were called to opposite lives in many ways, yet both were doing exactly what God ordained them to do. How many times have we (I) looked at others who saw things differently from us or did things differently from us and somehow managed to label them as wrong, foolish, deceived, or even demonic?

These ponderings have helped me again and again to have patience for those who viewed things very differently from me, handled life in a way that I couldn’t understand, or seemed foolish from my opposite vantage point. It’s helped me to love and accept my brothers and sisters called to a walk that didn’t seem to line up with the life I’ve been called to live.

In order to protect everyone and give each one space to be who God has called them to be, With Love From Jesus had to be a political, COVID-free zone. It has worked. The ministry was opened every regular day in both facilities. It never closed down for lack of volunteers, resources to give away, or money to pay the bills. God has blessed and continues to do so.

Maybe you are thinking that all this sounds fine for With Love From Jesus but isn’t realistic in your world. That might be true. However, each of us can commit to not get involved in an argument or unhealthy debate about things we can’t change (other than through prayer). We make these concessions for the sake of ministry. Each of us can decide to look for ministry opportunities ahead of airing our own opinions or trying to get someone else to change their thinking to ours. We can refuse to label our brothers and sisters in Christ in negative ways simply because we can’t understand them.

We can protect each other by loving each other well and keeping our focus on Jesus. John and Jesus found a way to love each other well, not get dragged into debates about each other, as they blessed each other to do what they were called to do. They honored their diversity and regarded it as completeness and not division.

Is there someone that you feel is hearing God wrong, or making a bad decision in how to serve the Lord? Pray for them. Look for ways to bless and encourage them. Realize that we are all on a learning curve and all need the love and acceptance of the Body. Maybe that person is your John or Jesus!

Be encouraged.

Diversity in the Family

Two lovely Spanish-speaking ladies stopped a volunteer who also speaks Spanish and shared with her their gratitude for all that With Love From Jesus has done to bless them. They had started their own little cleaning business and asked if we would allow them the privilege of cleaning our restrooms after they finished shopping for the day. They were excited to give back in the best way that they could. What a treasured gift this was from the Lord. Their humility and gratitude brought us to tears. It was a great blessing to receive their gracious love gift to the Lord!

A volunteer sent me the following email: "My husband and I were sitting at the dinner table tonight talking about our wonderful morning at With Love From Jesus. We are building such beautiful friendships with the volunteers, people who are so dear to us, people who bless us in many ways. And today we both heard many expressions of gratitude from our guests. People were leaving with big smiles and thankful hearts. What a ministry! What a great God! What a privilege to play even a small part. Thank you!" God is no person’s debtor. He always gives back more than we could ever give or imagine! Praise His Name!

Winstona came to serve with her church. Her assignment (which she always loves) was the prayer center. Between groups, when there was no one in the center, she would walk through the building as folks shopped to see if Holy Spirit God directed her to approach a particular guest for prayer. As she made her rounds across the shopping floor (clothing, household, food—breads, produce, desserts, canned goods, hygiene items, meat, and other refrigerated items), she saw a guest with tears coursing down her cheeks. She silently prayed and then approached the honored guest to see how she might minister to her. The guest explained to Winstona that she was overcome with the goodness and generosity of God. She heard a short message from God’s Word that blessed her. Now she was gathering food and other needed resources for her family absolutely free. There were no pre-made boxes or bags. She had the privilege to select what she wanted, and the provision was bountiful. Her tears were tears of joy and thanksgiving. Winstona shared later in the day how blessed she was to simply obey the Lord to come and serve. The privilege of this encounter was a beautiful gift for her. It’s hard sometimes from our place of plenty (especially compared to the guests who shop), to fully understand what this provision means to those whose needs are so great. Thank You, Jesus!

When the Body of Christ comes together, it is with different gifting, abilities, backgrounds, and perspectives. Together we make up the whole. Just as my toe and finger are different and my leg and arm have different functions in my physical body, the diversity in His Body is just as unique. Is there anyone in the Body of Christ that you struggle to understand or embrace? Ask