If you are a regular reader of Inside Out, you know about Papa’s Pipeline. God (Papa) has this enormous Pipe coming down from Heaven. He pours all kinds of things into this Pipe. James says that all good things come from above. We are the recipients of spiritual, material, physical, and emotional blessings. Because we don’t want to become frog ponds (all input, no output), we pass good things along to others and praise back to the Father.

Well, in the promo for my last piece, “FWOG”, I quoted from a letter that came from some missionary friends in Mexico. They badly needed a large paper cutter. A couple of days later, a close friend contributed toward the total cost. One of our friend’s supporting churches contributed $250. A paper cutter like they need, ranges in price from $650 to $999. I personally believe that missionaries, especially, deserve the very best equipment available. I’m hoping that some more will come in so they can get the best. Lord knows all the adversity they face in a foreign country, etc.

I learned of another Pipeline incident. A dear family has a “bucket” in which they put extra money for Pipeline Projects. One of their sons brought a friend to church. She came to know Jesus. A dip in the bucket brought up enough to buy her a Bible of her very own. Small item? Maybe. However, how small is it in the light of eternity?

Papa’s Pipeline is not my invention. I just managed to give it a rather clever name (if I do say so myself). “Give and it shall be given unto you, pressed down, shaken together, and running over.” Neither you nor I can out give God. Try it sometime and see what happens.

I’d like very much to hear about your latest adventure in this area of your life. Please use the “Leave a Reply” box below and tell me your story!

SOME SELECTED RESPONSES TO “FWOG”

– Love can be expressed in a huge, tremendous, plethora, variety of ways. Only the giver and receiver will truly understand.

– What a cute story, Jerry. I loved it. I can just see your little girl’s face. Kids are so trusting, aren’t they? Joshua thinks that Mema can fix anything. hahaah!

– When my dad was in his last days and really willing to “go Home”, he wrote on a little note page he tore out, “I Love you”. My dad, who hit me and broke my ear drum, said that to me!! Just me. I was the caretaker for him and mom. Isn’t it God’s love that I had that gift from my Dad. Just me!

– My daughter brought me a greenish frog dressed like a railroad conductor. If I press the button in the middle of his tummy, he says “Smack,smack, I love you”. (That “smack, smack” is supposed to be the sound of a very wet smo och.) Seems like a lot of people collect frogs, either because they like them or because somebody thinks they should have them. Your daughter certainly isn’t shy now. She’s such a leader and friend.

– Where is my mind tonight? I read about your electric corncob present, and thought, boy if someone didn’t like someone they’d give them an electric glass of water just to see if they’d plug it in…zzzzzzzzap! That was sweet about the little love gifts.

– Just read your story. I’m so far behind reading e-mails. I really enjoyed reading the story today. I read it at a most appropriate time!! I made something for D____ today for Valentine’s Day! As you said, D___ and I don’t get a lot for each other, either, because we have each other and that is something that doesn’t rust, break or just sit around collecting dust!

– I really enjoyed this FWOG story. I can relate to your daughter’s fears because I used to be completely terrified of them, also, until my youngest son started me a frog collection. It just kept growing and growing and finally I had to tell everyone, “No more frogs, please!” I gave them all to the church yard sale and I was completely surprised how many folks collect FWOGs. (Of course none of mine looked like the one Pat bought for you) It is so cute and she must love you lots to put those big red lips on it.