GOOD GROUND - Parable of the Sower

by Danna Shirley

(Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-20; Luke 8:4-15)

The Purpose of Parables is:

1.   To make spiritual truths clearer to hearers.

2.   To put truth in a form easily remembered.

3.   To avoid offense with hostile people who would not receive the truth.

4.  To declare judgment upon those who were willfully blind. 

Jesus' followers understood the lessons taught by parables or were at least stimulated to probe for deeper understanding. Those who have already shut their eyes and ears to the truth will not realize the significance of what they are seeing and hearing, and consequently will not repent and receive forgiveness.

"He who has ears to hear let him hear" (Mk 4:9). Ears to hear denotes the essential need for a teachable, hearing heart to be present if the "seed" of the kingdom truth is to be received and become fruitful.

Spiritual Receptivity    vs.    Hardness of Heart

Mark 4:2-9 and Mark 4:13-20    

What kind of SOIL are you?

What kind of SOWER are you?

The Sower:     God (Is 55:11); You (Mk 16:15)

The Seed:       The Word of God

The Birds:      The wicked one/satan

The Four Types of Ground:

The Wayside: The heart that receives the Word with no understanding...satan comes and makes the Word of (vs. 15) no effect (impression). Taketh away (KJV-142) means make to doubt, remove.

Stony Ground: The heart that receives the Word with gladness but endures only for a while (having no root), (vs. 16-17) for when tribulation or persecution arises because of the Word, he immediately stumbles.

Thorns: The heart that receives the Word, but the cares of the world, the deceitfulness of riches, and (vs. 18-19) other desires choke (strangle completely) the Word and it becomes unfruitful.

Good Ground: The heart that receives the Word and accepts it, bears fruit from his understanding and in turn (vs. 20) produces more fruit. (Then you become the sower: Jn 15:16)  (Hos 10:12)

                                  

Fruit meaning a harvest. What kind of harvest? In our own lives...in someone else's life...(Ps 1:3, 126:5-6; Jn 12:24; 15:2,5; Gal 6:7-8; Prov 22:8) The seed of wickedness will reap an abundant harvest, too, so where do you want to plant your seed…into wickedness or into righteousness?

(Gal. 5:22-23) Only the Holy Spirit can produce this fruit, and not by our own efforts. When the Spirit fully controls the life of a believer, He produces all of these graces. 

We need to allow the Word to be planted in our "soil" (heart) as a source of conviction as well. The seed of conviction of sin will also bear a harvest of repentance and cleansing...if we allow it...which in turn makes our soil even richer for bearing more fruit.

So what is our responsibility? To be good ground (teachable) to receive the Word that it may take root and bring forth a harvest in us…AND…to be a good sower to sow the Word in someone else’s ground. If their ground is by the wayside, or stony, or thorny, then it’s our responsibility to till the soil, weed it, and remove the stones until it becomes good ground to receive the seed of the Word and take root. What you give to others you also receive in return. What you sow into someone else’s life, God will return to you a hundred fold. Hallelujah!!! 

Let's give God the finest soil in our lives to sow the seed of His Word that we may produce a rich harvest of good fruit. 

The Road I've Traveled

By Danna Shirley

Have you ever contemplated how you arrived at your destination in life? What choices you made and what events took place to bring you to this end?

My Birth:

After World War II, my parents moved to CA because my dad couldn’t make a sufficient living for his wife and two daughters in AR. Their family was complete, or so they intended, until mom got pregnant with me. The term “unexpected pregnancy” does not begin to describe the impact another mouth would mean to my parents. Thank goodness abortion was not an acceptable solution in 1948.

They lived in a housing project in Richmond, across the bay from San Francisco. When they were notified that this housing area was to be demolished, they bought a piece of property in Pinole and my dad began to build the house in which I was raised. We moved there when I was five.

God had me born in California!

My Education:

I started kindergarten at the Margaret Collins School, or Pinole #2 as it was called, I attended the “Old School” or Pinole #1 for 7^th and 8^th grades, then Walter T. Helms Jr. High in San Pablo, CA for 9^th grade, and Richmond Union High School in Richmond, CA for 10^th thru 12^th grades. I took one college class after graduation on speed reading and couldn’t keep up so after three weeks dropped out. I kept my childhood friends throughout my teen years and have reconnected with some through Facebook.

God has given me lifetime friends!

My Employment:

After graduation, my first job was with the:

1.      Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), Berkeley, CA; Security, Visitor Control clerk (1996-1970)

Other employment included:

2.      Oxford-Lafayette Co. Hospital, Oxford, MS; insurance clerk, business office (1971-1974)

3.      Kaiser Permanente Hospital, Richmond, CA; pharmacy (May-Oct 1973)

4.      FDIC, Watkins Banking Co., Faunsdale, AL; receivership clerk (1978-1979)

5.      First Alabama Bank, Montgomery, AL; Trust Dept (Feb-Aug 1980)

6.      Various volunteer positions at churches and schools

7.      Vancleave UMC, Vancleave, MS; secretary (1990-May 1992)

8.      Dr. JoAnne Calhoun, Clinical Psychologist, Ocean Springs, MS; intake transcriptionist

9.      Ocean Springs Fire Dept, Ocean Springs, MS; Admin Asst (1998-2004)

10. Bartlett Senior Center, Bartlett, TN; new members clerk (2005-2006)

Employment gave me income and independence!

My First Apartment:

A regular paycheck permitted the purchase of my first car, a 1957 Chevy Bel Air two-door hardtop in mint condition, which my father found for me. It also allowed me to move into my first apartment in San Pablo, CA at nineteen. It was just five miles from Mom and Dad but I was still on my own, except for having three roommates over time who shared expenses: Linda Autrey, Susan Wagner, and Cathy Pannell. This apartment just happened to be across the courtyard where my future husband, Ron, lived with five sailors off of his ship, the U.S.S. Merrick. Before he left for Viet Nam he had proposed and that’s when my life’s adventure really began.

My move into an apartment allowed me to meet my future husband.

My Marriage:

Ron and I eloped to Reno, Nevada and during our thirty-four years together we resided in seven states and three countries but made 19 moves:

1.      California (San Pablo, Oakland, Imperial Beach, Napa)

2.      Bermuda

3.      Maryland (Perryville)

4.      Alabama (Montgomery, Demopolis)

5.      Mississippi (Oxford, Ocean Springs, Gautier, Vancleave)

6.      Florida (Pensacola)

7.      Philippines (San Miguel, Subic Bay)

8.      New Jersey (Mt Laurel)                                                                           

9.      Washington (Bremerton, Port Orchard)

10.  Japan (Sasebo)

After our five-year interval in Japan, we returned to MS where Ron went back to his same job at his same desk at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula. We built a steel-frame home in Vancleave due to the hurricane threats and had settled in to work, retire, and live out our days there. Little did we know our days were numbered?

My marriage to Ron sent me all over the world.

My Children:

Kristen Valera Shirley was born February 27, 1971 in Oxford, MS.

Russell Keith Shirley was born February 7, 1977 in Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines.

Aaron Matthew Shirley was born September 15, 1980 in Montgomery, AL

and Grandchildren:

Mackenzie "Kenzie" Rae Pierce was born January 17, 2001 in Ocean Springs, MS (Aaron’s daughter)

Emma Katherine Grigson was born October 2, 2002 in Memphis, TN (Kristen’s daughter)

Isabella “Bella” Reese Grigson was born July 4, 2006 in Memphis, TN (Kristen’s daughter)

God has blessed me with a wonderful family.

My Last Move:

I would still be in Mississippi today if Ron had not passed away unexpectedly from pneumonia at age fifty-six. Losing him necessitated another move, which brought me to live closer to Kristen. She met her husband, Shawn Grigson, while both of our families attended church together in Gautier, MS. He was hired right out of college by a company in Memphis, and so she moved to TN after they married in 1998. 

Living all over the world led my daughter to meet her future husband.

My Last, Last Move:

Well I thought I had finally settled down in my last home in Bartlett, TN but in 2013 caregiving duties took me to Napa, CA to help my sister, Paula, care for her husband with Parkinson's and my mother who was 93 and living alone at the time. I rented my house and stayed in Napa for two years and three months, and then returned to TN. I didn't want to uproot my renter and I also wanted to locate closer to Kristen and my grandgirls, so I bought a home just five miles away from her in Cordova, TN. Am I through moving? Only God knows!

My Churches:

I grew up attending Pinole United Methodist Church, Pinole, CA until I was sixteen years old. However, salvation did not come to me until 1980 at age 32 at:

1.      First Assembly of God, Montgomery, AL

Then a short move to Mt. Laurel, NJ where we attended:

2.      Lighthouse Tabernacle, Lumberton

Another move to the MS Gulf Coast (1981-1992) brought me to:

3.      Cedar Lake Christian Assembly, Biloxi

4.      Grace Fellowship Church, Ocean Springs

5.      Fountain of Praise, Gautier

6.      Vancleave United Methodist Church, Vancleave

When we moved to Japan (1992-1997), I attended:

7.      Hario Chapel and several missionary churches; I also taught a Bible study for 4 years.

Then back to the MS Gulf Coast (1997-2004) for:

8.      Vancleave United Methodist Church . . . again

9.      A small home fellowship under my former pastor (#8 above)

10.  Vancleave Assembly of God, Vancleave

My move to TN in 2004 began a long search for a home church until I finally settled at:

11. Bartlett First Assembly of God, Bartlett (2005-2013)

A temporary move to CA (2013-2015) for caregiving duties, brought me to:

12. Napa Valley Baptist Church, Napa

Then back to TN (2015-present) and back to:

13. Bartlett First Assembly of God, Bartlett

God directs our footsteps and brings people into our lives.

My Retirement:

I retired in 2006 from the Bartlett Senior Center at age 58 when my granddaughter, Bella, was born. I believe I’m busier now than when I worked full time. I continue to attend the Creative Writing Class at the Senior Center . . . bonded, connected, and united to these writers as close as any family can be.

My Writings:

I now sit in front of my computer writing on my books and short stories. I’ve written four book(let)s:

1.      Do You See What I See

2.      A Widow’s Advice to Young Wives

3.      Sleepy Bend

4.      A Mother’s Hard Heart

I have two Christian romance novels sitting on my hard drive:

1.      Southern Return

2.      The Silk Purse

With two possible sequels in my thoughts:

1.      Do You See What I See Too

2.      Oaks Manor (sequel to Sleepy Bend)

and lots of ideas. My creative writing assignments roll out a short story almost every week.

Thank You, Lord, for Your many blessings

and Your sovereign hand upon my life.

ROOTS

by Danna Shirley

As children, my sisters and I heard my mother yell out often, “Shut that door! You weren’t born in a barn!” I wonder if her mother said the same thing to her because mom grew up on a farm in Arkansas with a hay barn and a tractor barn right outside their back door.  And of course the outhouse was a little farther out. 

Dad used to say, “Shut that door! I’m not paying to heat the whole outdoors.” Dad grew up on a farm in Oklahoma and carried in wood every morning to build a fire in the wintertime so they could be warm and his mother could cook. 

Years later my parents moved to the California Bay Area where I was born. They wanted to give their three daughters better than they had growing up. 

• We had new clothes and a pair of new oxfords to start every school year.
• We had three meals a day, running water, and a furnace that kicked on as the temperature dropped.
• We rode the bus one mile to school.
• When old enough, we had a car at our disposal.
• Two of us wore braces to have a pretty smile.
• We learned to save and live within our weekly allowance. 

Material things aside, my parents taught us frugality. They never bought anything they couldn’t pay for outright. Even the house we grew up in was built a little at a time. Dad worked on it over the years as my parents saved the money to buy the materials.

Most importantly, my parents taught us integrity. Mom and Dad lived a life of honesty, reliability, and uprightness before their family and friends. When dad passed away at age eighty-nine, words of respect, honor, admiration, and tribute poured in from all who knew him.

Yes, I stand upon good roots passed down through many generations who lived exemplary lives. I pray I can live up to their example.

MEMORIES OF TECH 1937-1939

by Elsie (Daugherty) Goines

As told to her daughter, Danna (Goines) Shirley

            I am always impressed with the improvements being made at Arkansas Tech. I graduated in 1939 when it was a junior college and known as the "Cow College." We were not proud of that designation at all. These were the days of the depression and FDR's alphabet administration. I was fortunate to be able to take advantage of his N.Y.A. (National Youth Administration) program, which paid most of my room and board; I was responsible for the remainder. I believe the cost was $50 cash per semester for registration.                                  

           In those days there were two dorms: Caraway Hall for women was on one side of the campus and the men's dorm was on the other side. Many students also lived out in town. During my first year at Tech, I took turns with several other students working for Miss Lela Jane Bryan, the Dean of Women at Caraway Hall. Our job consisted of answering the phone and locating the person the caller wanted. There was only one phone for the whole building and as you know, there were three floors in Caraway Hall. Needless to say, we got our exercise for the day. This job paid only $10 of the required $15 for my room and board so my father paid the additional $5, which was a hardship for a farmer in Arkansas. Some of you probably cannot imagine $5 being a hardship but remember these were depression days.         

During my last year at Tech I was able to work as a waitress in the dining hall. This was a six and a half day a week job and paid for all of my room and board. Along with the waitresses there were several fellows who bussed dishes, put them through the dishwasher, and then returned them to the dining hall. The meals were family style and each waitress was responsible for four tables. We learned to carry four bowls of hot food at a time.                      

It was also our responsibility to keep the "zip" pitchers full.  Zip! What's zip? I'm not sure why it was called "zip" but it was probably Karo syrup, which the boys lavishly poured on everything from scrambled eggs to dessert so we were constantly refilling the pitchers.         Another task was to keep the flatware polished; no stainless steel in those days. Everyone was supposed to clean their silverware at the same time but not everyone did so. Occasionally, a tray of unpolished silverware would be returned to you instead. This caused much unhappiness to say the least.                                                                                              

After the meal we stacked the dishes to be taken to the dishwasher. When the dishes were returned, we set the table for the next meal. Sunday morning we made sack lunches for the supper meal so we could have the evening off. Adelaide and Joe Sidney did all the cooking. Looking back I can't believe they did so. They had a young fellow we called Gabby who assisted them. I loved working in the dining hall. It was not an easy job but we had lots of fun along with the hard work.                                                                                                  

There was a juke box in the dining hall and periodically we had dances sponsored by Mr. Satterfield, the steward. He must have made arrangements with the record company for I don't believe we ever put money in the juke box at those dances.                                               

Students today who have spent most of their life in pants will be interested to know we were not allowed to wear pants (called slacks in our day) on campus. We wore dresses at mid-calf and "oxfords" with bobby socks or silk hose; nylons didn't exist until after World War II. Tennis shoes were for gym class only.

            Many of us were anxious to begin our teaching careers and Tech offered some upper division courses so that we could receive our teaching credential at the end of two years. One subject I remember was a ten-unit course called Civilization, five units for each semester. Several of the professors lectured to approximately one hundred students three days each week in the "Little Theater." Tuesdays and Thursdays Mr. Delaney was responsible for discussion of the material. We had several books and other outside reading to do. This was one of the most difficult courses of my entire college experience chiefly because the material was so extensive.

            After finishing my two years at Tech I obtained my teaching credential and taught in Arkansas for four years. My two years at Tech were a great foundation for receiving my B.A. degree from San Francisco State University in California where we had relocated in 1946. Unfortunately San Francisco State did not accept my Civilization units because there was no description available to them several years later.

It took five years of night classes and summer sessions at an off-campus location in Vallejo established by San Francisco State College (University). I received my BA degree with many additional college units to supplement my skills, all while teaching full-time, building a house in Pinole, CA, being a wife, and raising three daughters.

            Thanks to Tech, I began a thirty-year career in teaching. I spent most of those years at Carquinez Elementary School, which was across the way from the C & H (California & Hawaii) Sugar Refinery.

SWEET SLEEP

Danna Shirley

            I’ve snored for at least the last six years (2009). I could be in dreamland as soon as my head hit the pillow, which frustrated my husband because he had insomnia and took medication to help him sleep. He certainly didn’t need to contend with my night sounds and would jostle me to turn over, which might interrupt me for about thirty seconds.

            Since moving to Bartlett, TN I’ve experienced more than my share of colds, coughs, and congestion. I finally asked my doctor why I was getting sick so often. He asked if I was getting enough sleep at night. Actually, I haven’t slept well for the last few years, waking up several times for a throat lozenge or a drink of water because my mouth and throat were so dry. I would gasp and gag just to gain a good breathe. The doctor said my resistance was low from lack of sleep and suggested I go for a sleep study to determine if I might have sleep apnea. The study determined that I quit breathing more than nineteen times per hour.

             The treatment for this condition is to use a CPAP machine that forces air into your nose to keep your throat open. I was anxious for a good night’s sleep so I looked forward to receiving my machine. The technician said it might take a few weeks to become accustomed. Sleep medication was prescribed to help me relax so I could tolerate the tube over my nose. One side of the machine has a water well that keeps the air moist. The other side has a hose that goes from the machine to a mask that fits over the nose and is held on by straps around the forehead and neck. 

            My first night was very uncomfortable but I seemed to tolerate it. My sleep went downhill from there. By the fourth night I was lying awake listening to the “whoosh, whoosh, whoosh” of the machine as the air entered my head. I tried not using the water well one night to see if I might fare any better. No help! I tried sleeping in my recliner one night to see if sitting up would help. No way! By the sixth night I was able to sleep seven hours without any wakeups.

            Even though I look like an elephant, I am now getting a good night’s sleep and I appreciate my machine! It accompanies me for all overnight stays and I even take it on the plane with me as medical equipment.

            Now, seven years later (2016), I have eliminated the water well and the mask is more abbreviated on my face. I wouldn't dare be without my machine.  

THE GAY AGENDA

By Danna Shirley

I was talking with a group of people recently (2007) and from our conversation I was under the impression they believed I hated or at the very least was offended by gay people. People are people and I love them as Christ loved them. Of course there are some with whom I would not deliberately socialize; i.e. hateful, gossipy, back-biting, controlling, manipulating people, but they can be gay or straight. 

What I strongly object to is the AGENDA associated with the gay activists, which is being forced on society even to the point of legislation. We’ve all heard the phrase, “You can’t legislate morality,” but the gay community is attempting to demand not only tolerance and acceptance, but tolerance and acceptance legislation upon the populace to the point of relinquishing free speech and even free thought . . . and they’re making great strides. 

The gay community encourages people to come “out” of the closet. They would also lead us to believe that this is a born trait that cannot be undone but I have read too many articles and heard too many testimonies from people who have “come out” of the closet and then completely “out” of the homosexual lifestyle. It was a choice they made and people are choosing to walk away from it every day.

Another alarming result of the gay agenda is that while homosexuality is pushing for acceptability, it is also pushing confusion on society’s children who are in the process of interpreting their sexual compass and charting their life’s course. Some may experiment out of curiosity because it is now viewed as socially acceptable and in some circles even fashionable. Schools are allowing and often encouraging Gay and Lesbian Clubs on campus; however, Christian gatherings are frowned upon and blocked at every turn.

http://www.breakpoint.org/bpcommentaries/entry/13/10733

The following article by Chuck Colson (5/1/2007) explains it well.

The Thought Police

What the Hate Crimes Law Would Do

In George Orwell’s classic novel 1984, the government Thought Police constantly spies on citizens to make sure they are not thinking rebellious thoughts. Thought crimes are severely punished by Big Brother. 1984 was intended as a warning against totalitarian governments that enslave and control their citizens. Never have we needed this warning more urgently than now, because America’s Thought Police are knocking on your door.

Last week the House Judiciary Committee, egged on by radical homosexual groups, passed what can only be called a Thought Crimes bill. It’s called the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act [H.R.1592]. But this bill is not about hate. It’s not even about crime. It’s about outlawing peaceful speech—speech that asserts that homosexual behavior is morally wrong.

Some say we need this law to prevent attacks on homosexuals. But we already have laws against assaults on people and property. Moreover, according to the FBI, crimes against homosexuals in the United States have dropped dramatically in recent years. In 2005, out of 863,000 cases of aggravated assault, just 177 cases were crimes of bias against homosexuals—far less than even one percent.

Another problem is that in places where hate crimes laws have been passed, hate crimes have been defined to include verbal attacks—and even peaceful speech. The Thought Police have already prosecuted Christians under hate crimes laws in England, Sweden, Canada, and even in some places in the United States. (bold, underline mine)

If this dangerous law passes, pastors who preach sermons giving the biblical view of homosexuality could be prosecuted. Christian businessmen who refuse to print pro-gay literature could be prosecuted. Groups like Exodus International, which offer therapy to those with unwanted same-sex attraction, could be shut down.

In classic 1984 fashion, peaceful speech will be redefined as a violent attack worthy of punishment.

This is the unspoken goal of activist groups. We know this because during the debate over the bill last week, Congressman Mike Pence (R) of Indiana offered a Freedom of Religion amendment to this hate crimes bill. It asked that nothing in this law limit the religious freedom of any person or group under the Constitution. The committee refused to adopt it. It also refused to adopt amendments protecting other groups from hate crimes—like members of the military, who are often targets of verbal attacks and spitting. They also shot down amendments that would protect the homeless and senior citizens, also often targeted by criminals. Nothing doing, the committee said—the only group they wanted to protect: homosexuals.

Clearly, the intent of this law is not to prevent crime, but to shut down freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of thought. Its passage would strike at the very heart of our democracy.

If we do nothing, 1984 will no longer be fiction, and Big Brother will be watching you and me—ready to punish the “wrong” thoughts.

The gay activists would do well to heed Jesus’ caution in Matthew 18:6

“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”

THE NAPA ROOSTER

By Danna Shirley
As told by her sister, Paula

Napa is truly in a beautiful valley for you can top the surrounding area and look down to see hills and mountains all around. It is a rich but quaint community of wineries and vineyards. Everywhere you turn, even in the side yards of homes, you can find small patches of vines being cultivated for wine.

            I had just moved into my new home nestled at the dead end of a flag driveway at the foothill of Mt. George in the Vichy area of Napa. It was a beautiful estate on two acres with lots of shade trees. I had even glimpsed deer grazing along the fence line of the property.

All of my trips delivering boxes and furniture had been during the late morning hours and into early afternoon. Now I was finally going to spend my first night in the country. It was a balmy evening so I left the windows open to enjoy the breeze and the sounds of the night crickets and mockingbirds. The air was fresh and sleep was sweet until a strange and annoying sound woke me at five in the morning. Ureech, shuggah, ureech, shuggah, ureech, shuggah!

It was destroying my picture perfect life and dust was clouding the clear sky. I jumped up and looked out the window. What was that awful sound that was stirring up such a raucous? I searched through the haze but could see nothing. The sound continued faintly until it was gone. Good! Wonderful! I went back to bed and slept peacefully for another two hours.

The next morning repeated as before. Ureech, shuggah, ureech, shuggah! I put the pillow over my ears until it faded and decided I would not spend another night without investigating this spectacle. As I made the rounds to meet some of my neighbors, they all remarked, “Oh, that’s just the Napa Rooster. You’ll get used to it.”

What is the Napa Rooster I wondered? It sure didn’t sound like a rooster. What happened to the old, familiar cock-a-doodle-doo?

I decided to be on the ready the next morning and finally get a look at this Napa Rooster. Five o’clock arrived and I was peeking over the back fence at the rows and rows of grapevines. There was a faint, red something down the valley behind my house. Slowly it approached and the ureech, shuggah became louder.

Ah, yes, there it was, appropriately named . . . THE NAPA ROOSTER, driving up and down through the rows of vines, ureech, shuggah, ureech, shuggah.

   

PREDICTIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR

 “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”  (John 14:27)

The Bible still has all the answers.

Prayer still is the most powerful thing on Earth.

We will still experience the move of the Holy Spirit.

God will still honor the praises of His people.

There will still be God-anointed preaching.

There will still be singing of praise to God.

God will still pour out blessings upon His people.

There will still be room at the Cross.

Jesus will still love you.

Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.

"The Word of the Lord still endures forever." (1 Peter 1:25) 

May you be encouraged by these words and reminded WHO is really in control!