COMPLAINING

 

     Complaining. It's something we all do. Some more than others. Some complain about work and church. Some about their family or their neighbors. Some, well, they just can't help it but all they do is complain. "It's hot out. My boss is annoying me. I can't believe I have to spend Thanksgiving with my brother-in-law. My car keeps breaking down. I wish my company would give me a raise." You all know what I mean. We have all been there! 

     While serving as a Chick Fil-A manager, I heard several complaints from guests. One guest, while I was collecting money at the drive thru window called corporate on me because I wouldn't give him 37 sauces. He ordered 2 meals. 37 sauces is very excessive. Would you agree? Another guest wanted to challenge me to a fight because he decided to change his order last minute to a large meal after I already took his money. I kindly made a suggestion to him that the next time he orders, just make sure you say, "I want a large meal." He didn't like that and asked if I would meet him out back after work. Apparently, he was "on the spectrum" and no, he was not in the parking lot when I left work that day. I also heard several people complain their orders were wrong and my all-time favorite was always, "Excuse me, I didn't get fries with my Chick Fil-A sandwich entree."  Exactly! 

     I am not writing about others complaining. I am writing about us. Yes! That person you see when you look in the mirror. Have you ever been around someone who constantly complains? Have you ever found yourself doing the same thing and joining in? As a young pastor who didn't know any better, I made the mistake of meeting with a board member and sharing with him my "frustrations." I did not agree with how things were going and I thought it would make a difference. Maybe just maybe changes would be made. They weren't. I was about 29 years old, and I regret ever meeting with this board member. My "complaining" got me nowhere. To this very day, I have learned to stop myself whenever I complain. I have a select few people I do confide in whenever I do need to vent. Complaining gets us nowhere. So, what is complaining? Mr. Google says its, "The expression of dissatisfaction or annoyance about something." We are all human. We all complain. Trust me when I say there are several times in my life when I was dissatisfied with a job, a church or a family situation. Being very young, I would complain excessively hoping at least my complaining would make a difference. As an almost 62-year-old man, I will let you know from experience that COMPLAINING GETS YOU NOWHERE! Sure, you might feel better venting, but it will not change the situation.

     The bible does talk about complaining. In fact, God encourages us to complain to him. Psalm 142:1, 2 says, "I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble." So, to wrap up this blog, I want to encourage you all to take a break from complaining Do you have a complaint? Talk to God about it! Psalm 142 tells us to "pour out our complaint and tell him our troubles." God wants to hear our "complaints" even if they might seem very petty. I have had several times in my car and during my quiet time when I have let God know my complaints and frustrations, especially when it comes to finances. I have always felt better when my rant was over. I'm so glad God never turns a deaf ear to us! Thank goodness he doesn't say, "Wow! I really wish he would stop his nonsense and grow up!" Thank you, God, for loving us in spite of our complaining!

     I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A BLESSED WEEK! THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!   

IS IT REAL??

 

     Yes, I realize I posted a picture of the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus. Christmas was 25 days ago, and Easter is on April 5th. This is a blog about belief and knowing what is real. Speaking on that, I will never forget where I was when I found out Santa Claus was not real. I was in 4th grade, and I was talking to 2 other kids about Christmas. I was probably the only kid who believed Santa was real even at 10 years of age. We were talking about Christmas and I blurted out, "I wish Christmas was every single day!" One of the kids said, "If that was true your parents would be broke." I said, "What do you mean? Santa comes to our house!" Well, let's just say that comment caused me to get made fun of by several classmates, which was very embarrassing, especially since I was such a mature 4th grader ... NOT! I was humiliated but I learned that the fat chubby guy with a white beard and red suit was all made up. It was all in good fun. "Santa isn't real! How could you believe that, Harff?" That's when I found out Santa was a fake and my mom later confirmed it. I then figured out the tooth fairy was also fake. I always wondered why he or she had to use the small Dixey cups from our bathroom to put change in when he couldn't supply his own cups. It was left under my bed when I was asleep. Then lastly, it was the Easter Bunnies turn to learn of his history. I always envisioned him as some guy in a bunny costume and not a real bunny. I knew he didn't come down our chimney, so I guess he had a key for our house. He was not real. It was time for me to grow up. Just ask my mom, I did not want to grow up. Working as a children's pastor and talking to puppets is living proof I haven't grown up! 

     I often wonder how kids today view God. If they are fooled into believing in Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny, do they believe God is real? When you teach them about Jesus, do they think he is going to bring them presents and leave money under their pillow? Do they think he only shows up once a year? Does he make all your dreams come true? We know God loves us, but like Santa is he making a list, checking it twice trying to figure out if you are naughty or nice? Do kids believe he is just another fairy tale? My mom shared with me several years ago about how when she was young, they would recite a prayer in school every day before classes began. Today, you are not allowed to pray in schools. God is not taught in schools anymore. It breaks my heart to hear that the New York City Mayor took his oath to office with his hand on a Koran, not a Bible. 

     In spite of what the world and schools tell our kids that God is not real and there are other paths to happiness, I know for a fact God is real. I have heard his still small voice. I have seen him work in my life and I have sensed his presence through good times and bad. When I read the bible, he speaks to me, I have read the bible several times and I will confess I learn something new each time I read it. I don't claim to be a bible scholar. I am just a regular guy who loves Jesus, I love His word and just want to be close to him. It saddens me to hear how schools would rather teach children about meditation, New Age Theology and Astrology. The very thought of teaching them about God "goes against the laws of church and state." How sad! In the last several years, after school Satan programs have also been formed starting in Florida. Their premise is "Let's make the devil fun for kids!" Fun? Seriously? I realize Bible Clubs are allowed also but many of them go through such grief to get started. So sad!

     I pray that God is real in your life. Put him first! He will never let you down! I always laugh when people say, "You are very religious" or "I guess religion works for you." The definition of "religion" is "belief in a supernatural power." Religion is man-made! All "religions" were ideas created by men looking for answers to life. In fact, all of these so called "god's" these people worship and believe in are all dead. Buddha, Muhammed, Hare Krishna, all Hindu god's ... all buried in the ground. But Jesus is alive. His tomb is empty! Forget about them! I am talking more about a RELATIONSHIP with God. That's where the "rubber meets the road" friends! That's what has made a difference in my life. I pray you take the same road and have a personal relationship with Jesus! 

HAVE A GREAT WEEK EVERYONE!!

LIFE CHANGES

 

     This blog has a double meaning. We go through life changes, as life changes. In other words, changes take place in our lives after 60 years, but we all need to make that decision to make changes on our own when it comes to life. Okay, I know this sounds like an old Abbott and Costello routine like "Who's on first?" I have discovered a lot about myself in the last few years. I have done a lot of soul searching. I need to make changes in me as I go forward in life. Maybe you do as well?

     Last summer at my church I was playing frisbee with two brothers who were waiting for their mom to finish a class. One of the brothers threw the frisbee high in the air. I went running as fast as I could to catch that frisbee. The two brothers were laughing so hard at me and one of them said really loud, "I have never seen you run before! That was funny." I answered, "I'm not too old to run!" Honestly, I can't remember the last time I ran before that frisbee run. Maybe it was the last time I went for a long jog in my neighborhood, probably in 2018. 

     While taking orders outside at Chick Fil-A here in South Carolina, a man probably 10 years older than me looked at me and jokingly said, "I was hoping to see a nice-looking young lady to take my order, not an old guy like you!" Thanks a lot, sir! Whenever I go outside to take orders with a fellow team member Donnie who is 57 years old, we are dubbed "The Old Guys" and make jokes with our guests and try to give them a good laugh. Sometimes we pretend we can't hear and hold onto our backs like we are in pain. We have fun! Donnie and I tell each other "Dad jokes." 

     At my new job at Trader Joe's, I have been asked to help close the store with several other workers. I looked around the store after we closed and realized I was the oldest one there. My bosses are the same age as my kids! I was the only worker there with gray hair. The next day, I was happy to see a lady with gray hair closing but, of course, I did not ask her how old she was! 😃

     Back at Chick Fil-A, this time in Commack, NY, a group of young girls are talking about their favorite singers and songs. I have no clue what they were talking about so, being the jokester that I am I turned to another team member who is close to my age and said out loud, "Hey, have you heard the latest 8-track from the Bay City Rollers? Wasn't it far out?" You should have seen the looks I got from those young ladies. Blank stares! 😀 

     Next month I am turning 62. I have to admit my body feels like it's going to be 62 every morning. I wake up with the same back and shoulder pain. I sometimes make "my father's noise" when I get out of bed. I realize I can't do the things I did when I was 15. Back then I loved playing sports ... football, baseball, street hockey, tennis ...I stunk at playing basketball! I do admit one thing. My body says it will be 62, but many times my brain tells me I am turning 22. I don't come home from work and grab a basketball and shoot baskets like I did after school as a kid. Many times, I sit on my couch so I can catch my breath. I do like to go to the gym, and I realize I am not going there to look like Arnold Schwarzenegger, but to try to improve on Dave Harff's health. Life changes!

     So, life does change. We grow old. We need to adjust with those changes, and, in a sense, we need to make life changes. There are things I cannot do that I did 25-30 years ago. I need to make adjustments. Yes, I admit, it's time to slow down. Did I just write that? I love staying active, but I also realize I need to make those necessary life changes. I learned this past year that my days as a children's pastor are probably over. I'm sure a local church would rather have a young guy or girl leading their kid's ministry instead of a gray-haired guy. I know I have the experience, but I also know it's time to "turn the page" and move on to other things. It doesn't mean I plan on stopping with Grandpa Lou and company. My goal is to go into libraries with a program to encourage kids in their lives but most of all to be a "light in the darkness." I have developed a character I call "Inspector Chili Beanie" who will bring the kids on a "super sleuth" adventure at my proposed library program. I also see myself getting involved in a local ministry more so than a church. Possibly with the needy. There are needs everywhere so by the end of this year, after my sabbatical, my prayer is to be involved somewhere. Please keep me in prayer about this.  

     I would like to end by quoting a line from the movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off. "Life moves pretty fast! If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." Life does move fast! I just want to enjoy every second the Good Lord has me here. I want to make a difference in our world. It could be from my writing, doing a library program or doing whatever he is calling me to do. I just want to enjoy my life changes as we enter the second half of this decade. Who knows how much more time I have here? 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God." I have clearly learned to be thankful during the good, the bad and the ugly things in life. As long as I am breathing here on earth I just want to give and do my best! How about you?

HAVE A GREAT WEEK AND HAVE A GREAT LIFE, FRIENDS!! 

     

     

KING DARIUS KNEW WHAT WAS UP!

 

     

     I have read the story of Daniel in the Lion's Den one hundred times. I even did a puppet show on this story in Bible College while on the Puppet Team. On tape, the voice of the lion was the same guy who did the voice for the cartoon character "Snagglepuss."The voice of Daniel was the actor who played Wilbur on the old Mr. Ed TV show. For those of you who were born after 1985, that was a TV show about a "talking horse". This story is in the book of Daniel Chapter 6, and it begins with a young, rebellious administrator who many tried to find any corruption in him. His name was Daniel. They did seem to feel that down the road Daniel would somehow break the laws of God since he seemed to be a very rebellious man. Daniel was a man of prayer, and he would soon find out how so many of these so called "Leaders" were against him and his God! What I love about Daniel is that he didn't care what people thought about him. All he wanted to do was to please God. 

     It seems as though these leaders, under the authority of King Darius wanted so much to frame poor Daniel. Under the guidance of administrators and satraps, the King issued a decree stating that anyone who prays to any god or human, except to the King in the next 30 days will be thrown into the lion's den. King Darius put this decree in writing and that's when Daniel showed these leaders he would not be intimidated.

     Daniel showed these leaders he would not compromise the most important thing in his life. His communication with God and his prayer life. The bible says he prayed 3 times a day in his room with his windows open. The same men who urged King Darius to issue the decree about prayer found Daniel praying and, as you would expect, they ratted on Daniel. "King Darius, did you not issue a decree stating no one could pray to their God but only to you?' King Darius answered, "Yes, that decree stands in accordance with the law." They told King Darius, "Daniel prays 3 times a day. He pays no attention to you." As you read this passage you can see how the king was being told what to do but also the heart the king had for Daniel. We then read how the king wanted to rescue Daniel and save him!

     The administrators and satraps were at it again telling the king he could NOT change his decree whatsoever. I'm sure reluctantly, the king gave his orders to have Daniel thrown into the lion's den. Before they were to place the stone over the mouth of the lion's den after Daniel was thrown in, the king looks down at Daniel who was surrounded by hungry lion's and says, "May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you." They placed a stone over the mouth the lion's den. The only ones in that lion's den were hungry lions and Daniel. The king went to his palace, and the bible tells us he could not eat or sleep and he also was not in the mood for any entertainment whatsoever.   

     As morning approached, King Darius got up and hurried over to the lion's den and called to Daniel in an anguished voice, "Daniel! servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?" Daniel answered, "May the king live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I done anything wrong before you, your majesty." Daniel was then lifted out of the lion's den. He had no wounds because he trusted God. The king ordered that all those who falsely accused Daniel, along with their wives and children be thrown into the lion's den. When they were all thrown in, unfortunately for them they were all devoured by the hungry lions. King Darius then issued a new decree that everyone must fear and revere the God of Daniel. It was obvious that God was working on the heart of King Darius.

     What always intrigued me about this story is two things. The first thing is the fact that after Daniel is thrown into the lion's den, the king looks down at Daniel and says, "May your God rescue you," I don't know about you, but if I threw a guy into a lion's den, I would not expect that once he hit that dirt floor that he wouldn't be devoured by hungry lions. Lions are known to be vicious animals who attack. Especially some guy all by himself.  My theory has always been that the king knew in his heart that there was something special about Daniel. I don't think he really wanted to issue any decree about no one praying to their god. I believe he was very impressed with Daniel's life. But, of course, he had pressure from his peers, and we all know peer pressure is everywhere, even during bible times!

     The second thing that intrigued me was at the end of this story. The king can't eat or sleep. He wants no one to entertain him. This whole situation was troubling his heart. I'm sure he laid awake at night and was tossing and turning in his royal bed worried and troubled. This part of the story always gets me. After waking up, he runs to the lion's den calling to Daniel. Not for nothing, but I would assume Daniel was eaten by the lions and devoured after being in there all night. I would not think if it were me that I should be calling an assumed dead man saying, and I paraphrase "Is everything okay down there? Are you still there? Were you saved?" I also would not expect an answer from anyone who spent an entire night and beyond in a lion's den. However, I believe the king knew in his heart that the God Daniel serves is an amazing God who cares for his children. Even during a trying and difficult time, God demonstrated his loving and caring hand over Daniel. Daniel left that lion's den with absolutely no wounds, scratches or injuries. What an amazing testimony of God at work!

     This story teaches us the importance of prayer, but also the importance of not being ashamed of living the Christian life while we are being harassed and persecuted. It also teaches us about God's hand of protection over us during challenging times. Being thrown into a lion's den, of course, is extreme and not something we would face today. But in our own lives, we face impossible situations whether it is financial of physical. In the end, God always makes a way for us. Lastly, it teaches us to keep going no matter what situation we face. It's not the end of the world! God has a plan for us so we can never stop "running the race" that is set before us.   

     So, my challenge to you all is simple. Live the life! Live for God! Don't let anyone harass you or put you down. You have the greater one inside of you! Don't ever stop praying to him. He always has an answer for us and he wants what's best for His children! We might feel like, at times, that the situation we face is similar to being thrown into a lion's den. Romans 8:28 tells us "All things work together for the good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose. King Darius knew what was up. God proved to him he is in control!

HAVE A BLESSED DAY EVERYONE!

           

      

MY DEBT WAS PAID!!

 

     I have not told very many people about this but last November, on the 4th day exactly I was in a car accident. I was not hurt, and neither was the other driver. I was traveling down a hill on my way home and there was a green SUV over on the right side of the road in front of me. They did not have their directional on and stopped suddenly. I tried to pass and suddenly that car turned into me claiming they were going to make a left. It was a young girl and after the accident she got out of her car screaming at me claiming it was my fault. My fault? There were 3 witnesses, 2 were sitting on their porch in front of their home and they told me it was my fault. It was 4 against one! The Police arrived and not only did I have some damage to my car, I also was issued a ticket for "driving on the wrong side of the road." The ticket was for well over $200! The officer told me I would have to appear in court on December 10th, and he told me the fine might be reduced if I show up. Of course he told me "Have a nice day." Sure!

     This whole situation stressed me out. I could not believe I was given a ticket trying to avoid a vehicle that was pulled over. The other driver was a young girl, and the Police Officer was a young guy so my theory for a while was of course he would take the side of a young girl and not a gray-haired man like me. I will confess I did not like talking about this. I did lose sleep. My mind would race and think about what happened as well as stressing about this court date. I would have to face a judge, I had the option of hiring a lawyer, something I couldn't afford but I did think a lot about where I was going to get the fine money from. I wasn't sure the judge would be in favor of a transplanted New Yorker. I spent a lot of time praying about this situation asking God to take away my fears and anxiety especially. I will confess I did lose sleep waking up at 3:00 a.m. for many days. That was not good since I needed to wake up for work at 4:30 a.m. 

     Finally, December 10th arrived. I needed to report to the Town of Irmo Municipal Court at 5:00 p.m. I was nervous. I wondered the following. Will the person in the other vehicle show up? Will she be bringing a lawyer like Perry Mason? Will my fine be doubled? Will my fine be reduced. I went through security, filled out paperwork and anxiously waited for the court session to begin. There were many other cases besides mine. I watched a few cases before my name was called. One case was a man who didn't pay his fines, and he was handcuffed and taken away. Other cases were people paying their fines. The judge told us there were several cases that evening and that we could be there for a few hours. I was fortunate as my case was number eight. The judge called me name and my heart pounded. I wondered if it was possible my ticket fine would be reduced. I said a quick prayer and stood before the judge. I was praying she would not be Judge Judy! The judge read my charge "Crossing a double yellow line driving on the left side of the road etc." All I said was my name and I answered her questions with yes and no. The judge asked if the "other party" was present. I couldn't understand why she would be there unless she was given a ticket. The police officer, who was at the scene of the accident was in front of me on the right and the judge was directly in front of me. The young lady involved with the accident was not present. I took a deep breath, then I heard words from the judge I was very happy to hear. "Since the other party is not present, you are free to go, Mr. Harff. No charge." I thanked the judge, turned around and walked out of the court with a spring in my step. My debt was forgiven. I didn't have to pay the city of Irmo, South Carolina a penny! I was in shock, but I was very grateful. You have no idea.

     I am not sharing this to share a cute story about me. Sure, it was a stressful time in my life. Sure, I lost sleep over it. Sure, I was nervous walking into that tiny courthouse building. I did not know my fate whatsoever. I am sharing this story because it reminds me of an amazing event that took place well over 2000 years ago. We all had our debt paid when Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins. I am not talking about a financial debt; I am talking about our "sin debt." We are all born into this world a sinner. The bible tells us in Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." We can't deny the fact that we do sin. Anyone who says they are without sin, just sinned. How? They just lied! In order to be forgiven of our sin, we needed someone to pay the debt of our sin. That's why God sent his one and only son Jesus. Jesus was perfect and without sin. He did miracles by healing the sick and giving the blind sight. Many followed Jesus and all they knew is that He loved them and He would change the world. The Pharisees, who still followed the "old laws" did not appreciate what Jesus was doing and they were instrumental in having Jesus crucified on a cross. Jesus did nothing wrong. He was not a criminal. He did amazing things for the people. He demonstrated love in everything He did. But his greatest act of love was when He took our place on a cross to have our sins forgiven. He shed his blood on that old, rugged cross as those spikes were nailed into his hands and feet. So how did he pay our debt? It was as if he was saying, "Don't punish them. Punish me! I'll take their place!" By taking our place on the cross of Calvary, our debt has been paid.

     My debt was forgiven in that small courtroom in Irmo, SC on December 10, 2025, by a nice, understanding judge. My "sin debt" was forgiven well over 2000 years ago by a loving savior named Jesus Christ who took my place on that blood stained cross. That judge blessed me as I did not have to pay a fine. I didn't have to reach into my wallet and pay the city of Irmo, SC money that I really didn't have. My loving savior, Jesus blessed not only me but all of mankind for taking our place on that cross and forgiven our "sin debt." If we accept him into our hearts and ask him to forgive us of our sins, we receive a free gift. Eternal life! I don't know about you, but that puts a huge smile on my face knowing I am going to heaven forever. Not because I am a nice guy or I have been in full time ministry. It's because my debt was paid of all those lousy sins that have weighed me down throughout my life. Just like in the Old Testament, I don't have to sacrifice a lamb in my backyard and drain the blood of that animal for my sins to be forgiven. Jesus was that sacrificial lamb who paid a huge price for us. My debt was paid! Your debt is paid, too! Give Jesus your life! I cannot live without him! He is truly number one in my life. He will make a difference in your life as well!

HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR AND GOD BLESS!