So, about two months ago, I screwed up pretty badly. The high horse I was riding on decided to buck me off. Well, I wouldn't really say I was on a high horse...I just had a problem with Christians ignoring their sin patterns. I do stupid stuff that does not glorify God. I did something pretty stupid. I guess that's what makes us all human. But as I went to bed that night, I actually asked God to punish me. I wanted to be grounded or something. I wanted to feel the discipline so that I could repent.
The next morning, I woke up humming a little tune. I felt happy and the tune became louder. I suddenly realized I was singing "Faithfully" by Journey. Huh? Had I heard that song the night before? No...weird....
As I lay there half awake, I heard Noel's voice say inside my head, "Even when you're not faithful, He is."
I sat up in my bed with tears in my eyes.
Yes, there are consequences to my actions, good and bad but there was no punishment. By asking for it, I was negating what Christ already did for me. I wasn't faithful but Christ was. He would heal me if I let Him and I was going to let Him. I confessed the sin to a close friend, repented and hopped right back on the road. I cycled a little bit and started to fall a little bit more but God's righteous hand either slapped me up for being so stupid....or it caught me.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Chuck and April
If you read this blog from the beginning, you'll see the mention of Chuck Wynn more and more. I knew of him around Riverview but didn't really get to know him until I took the first Route 66 class in the fall of 2004. Then, we became buddies and he was there to answer a lot of my questions. In fact, if you go back to the comments made in 2004/2005, you'll see who my network was when I was a baby Christian: Noel, Dan, Steve, Joey and Chuck. Those were the ones leading me, helping me to understand. Chuck has taught me so much. Because the Lord has used Him, I was able to grow in my understanding and have a solid knowledge of the Bible. He taught me about the Samaritan woman and the cup I was holding out for others to fill. He helped me during my crappy time when I could barely function and needed to confess stuff. I remember that day so well. Lunch with the VP of our company, personal stuff on my mind controlling my physical self....calling Chuck afterwards and saying, "i've had enough. I need to tell you what's been going on" and then sobbing.
He helped me be accountable. He helped me grow. He rocked out to the Mega 80s with Joey and I. He's been an awesome friend and mentor.
And he married one awesome person who has been there for me, too.
Man, I'm needy.
Thank you, Chuck and April and thank you for inviting me to a beautiful wedding.
More pictures....
Joey and Katie Moss. I love this girl.
The Unsinkables being shown the new iphone by none other...
Harry Potter
A few weeks ago, the night Deathly Hallows was released, Joey and I took my nephew to Kroger (of all places) to purchase said book. We got there around 11:30 p.m. The young lad started to get bored in line...and antsy. Joey suddenly turned to the laundry detergent display next to us and said, "Okay, Brad. Let's see how long you can hold these bottles of all with your arms out."
Brad shrugged and said, "okay."
Suddenly, the guy in front of us said, "I'm in."
So, this is a picture of some stranger and my nephew in a contest of strength and determination at Kroger on a Friday night.
True Harry Potter fans.
Brad shrugged and said, "okay."
Suddenly, the guy in front of us said, "I'm in."
So, this is a picture of some stranger and my nephew in a contest of strength and determination at Kroger on a Friday night.
True Harry Potter fans.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
How did this happen?
I'm not a Christian.
I'm not a runner.
I'm not engaged.
I'm not an adult.
So...how did I get to be an engaged, Christian adult who is addicted to running 5Ks?
I'm not sure how any of this happened. Looking back, I know I didn't have a defining moment when God chose me. He kept mentioning it all summer of 2003. I think I finally put my own rifle down in August of that year but I didn't take up His cross until 2004.
And now it's 2007. I have to admit, I'm not a baby Christian anymore. So...how the heck did all of it happen?!
When I first became a Christian, I did not have people running to my side to help me learn the Bible. I had one person, Joey. He took me to Borders in September of 2003 and we picked a Bible out together. Joey was the one I bounced my questions to...and then Noel....and then Reta Corr...I barely knew my pastors. I didn't know anyone at Riv.
BUT HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?
2004 was so much more defining. Dan and Suzanne came into my life. Sommerlot and I got to know each other. Kate Mazur and I met and she became my mentor. Chuck Wynn was also a defining person who taught me about the Bible. It was the teachings at Riverview. It was the encouragement of these people. All of this somehow brought me from out of the darkness.
And it blows my mind.
I could have slipped through the cracks. I could have listened to even my best friends who thought I had gone crazy. I could have taken on too much as a new believer. But God introduced me to the people He needed me to know....and the ones who helped me grow....
2005 was really when the permanent peeps were sent to me. Jennwy, Peter, Yi...my closest friends. Defining moments in a movie theater lobby and on a small journey to Germany. A harsh reality where I turned away from Christ and followed myself. People rallied around me.
2006 was like a rebuilding year and Joyce taught me even more. God sent me on another mission trip as a runner, which I'm not, and here I am in 2007.
This was not a phase. This was a lifestyle change. This was me realizing that it wasn't about me at all. And now, I cannot say I am a baby Christian. I can't say that when I read Randi-Kay's blog or listen to someone who doesn't know how to pray. These four years have tested my faith, refined it and strengthened it. I do know how to pray. I do know a lot of the answers to people's questions. I do not get as timid as I used to (though I still do!). I somehow grew up even though I'm still growing...but I'm not falling down as much.
Trials will still come my way. Friends will leave and new friends are waiting to be met. Lessons are waiting to reveal themselves. And I am not afraid because I am not alone.
Lord of all that's right
With all your might
Please hold me
Father, take me
Into your arms
Save.....
me from harm
Be thou my guide
KEEP.MY.STEPS. RIGHT.
I'm not a runner.
I'm not engaged.
I'm not an adult.
So...how did I get to be an engaged, Christian adult who is addicted to running 5Ks?
I'm not sure how any of this happened. Looking back, I know I didn't have a defining moment when God chose me. He kept mentioning it all summer of 2003. I think I finally put my own rifle down in August of that year but I didn't take up His cross until 2004.
And now it's 2007. I have to admit, I'm not a baby Christian anymore. So...how the heck did all of it happen?!
When I first became a Christian, I did not have people running to my side to help me learn the Bible. I had one person, Joey. He took me to Borders in September of 2003 and we picked a Bible out together. Joey was the one I bounced my questions to...and then Noel....and then Reta Corr...I barely knew my pastors. I didn't know anyone at Riv.
BUT HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?
2004 was so much more defining. Dan and Suzanne came into my life. Sommerlot and I got to know each other. Kate Mazur and I met and she became my mentor. Chuck Wynn was also a defining person who taught me about the Bible. It was the teachings at Riverview. It was the encouragement of these people. All of this somehow brought me from out of the darkness.
And it blows my mind.
I could have slipped through the cracks. I could have listened to even my best friends who thought I had gone crazy. I could have taken on too much as a new believer. But God introduced me to the people He needed me to know....and the ones who helped me grow....
2005 was really when the permanent peeps were sent to me. Jennwy, Peter, Yi...my closest friends. Defining moments in a movie theater lobby and on a small journey to Germany. A harsh reality where I turned away from Christ and followed myself. People rallied around me.
2006 was like a rebuilding year and Joyce taught me even more. God sent me on another mission trip as a runner, which I'm not, and here I am in 2007.
This was not a phase. This was a lifestyle change. This was me realizing that it wasn't about me at all. And now, I cannot say I am a baby Christian. I can't say that when I read Randi-Kay's blog or listen to someone who doesn't know how to pray. These four years have tested my faith, refined it and strengthened it. I do know how to pray. I do know a lot of the answers to people's questions. I do not get as timid as I used to (though I still do!). I somehow grew up even though I'm still growing...but I'm not falling down as much.
Trials will still come my way. Friends will leave and new friends are waiting to be met. Lessons are waiting to reveal themselves. And I am not afraid because I am not alone.
Lord of all that's right
With all your might
Please hold me
Father, take me
Into your arms
Save.....
me from harm
Be thou my guide
KEEP.MY.STEPS. RIGHT.
From my friend, Eric Fields
Matthew 4:8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." 10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
The Lord has been dealing with me for the last few months, and I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you that at times I questioned Him; my faith, my life , decisions, (ect..), in the midst of it all. The strange thing is that now I feel as though I’m hearing Him more clearly than I ever have before. I’m fortunate in that I’ve had good Christian teaching, and knew enough to allow God to do what he wanted to do in me.
There was a point where I thought I saw a way out and really struggled as to whether to take it. Ultimately I decided that I would have to let things run their course, or else I’d only have to go through another trial down the road (that’s how it works with God!). The long and short of this thought is this: Jesus was tempted of Satan with the very things that God had promised him. We’ve been taught that time and time again. What we often miss in this verse is that the temptation wasn’t have the things (He was going to have them anyway). The temptation was that He could have them now! The temptation was that he wouldn’t have to suffer death, at the cross to get them. Satan came when Jesus was weak tired and hungry, and offered Him a quick way out (sort of like casinos, or the lottery huh?J) Sure, he would have gotten the things; but He would have never seen the glory of God, and neither will you if you bite from the apple of the immediate.
Serving God isn’t easy; but Jesus proved that it’s well worth the price!
The Lord has been dealing with me for the last few months, and I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you that at times I questioned Him; my faith, my life , decisions, (ect..), in the midst of it all. The strange thing is that now I feel as though I’m hearing Him more clearly than I ever have before. I’m fortunate in that I’ve had good Christian teaching, and knew enough to allow God to do what he wanted to do in me.
There was a point where I thought I saw a way out and really struggled as to whether to take it. Ultimately I decided that I would have to let things run their course, or else I’d only have to go through another trial down the road (that’s how it works with God!). The long and short of this thought is this: Jesus was tempted of Satan with the very things that God had promised him. We’ve been taught that time and time again. What we often miss in this verse is that the temptation wasn’t have the things (He was going to have them anyway). The temptation was that He could have them now! The temptation was that he wouldn’t have to suffer death, at the cross to get them. Satan came when Jesus was weak tired and hungry, and offered Him a quick way out (sort of like casinos, or the lottery huh?J) Sure, he would have gotten the things; but He would have never seen the glory of God, and neither will you if you bite from the apple of the immediate.
Serving God isn’t easy; but Jesus proved that it’s well worth the price!
Thought for the day....
Acts 22:15 You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. (NIV)
We can choose the kind of person we want to be for God. We can choose whether we want to be a pipeline or a kitchen sink. When we are a pipeline we worship and experience the real power of God flowing through us. When we are a pipeline, we dedicate our life to carrying the love of God out to everyone in the world. When we are a kitchen sink, we don't deliver much. As a sink, we are receivers rather than deliverers. There are times in our life when we are overwhelmed. In times of being overwhelmed we are seldom equipped to deliver anything. In times when we are overwhelmed, we are then a sink because we need to collect the living water of God. However, even when we are overwhelmed, we must remember our true mission in life is to carry the love of God out to others. Even when we are overwhelmed by our trials and afflictions, God gives us the spiritual power to shine His light and love out to the world.
Acts 22:15 You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. (NIV)
We can choose the kind of person we want to be for God. We can choose whether we want to be a pipeline or a kitchen sink. When we are a pipeline we worship and experience the real power of God flowing through us. When we are a pipeline, we dedicate our life to carrying the love of God out to everyone in the world. When we are a kitchen sink, we don't deliver much. As a sink, we are receivers rather than deliverers. There are times in our life when we are overwhelmed. In times of being overwhelmed we are seldom equipped to deliver anything. In times when we are overwhelmed, we are then a sink because we need to collect the living water of God. However, even when we are overwhelmed, we must remember our true mission in life is to carry the love of God out to others. Even when we are overwhelmed by our trials and afflictions, God gives us the spiritual power to shine His light and love out to the world.
Compassion
Several years ago, my friend Dave G. and I decided to sponsor kids from other countries. I got Melvin through World Vision. Dave received Jonathon through Compassion International.
Now, the story gets really sad but it has purpose.
Two weeks ago, Dave was contacted by Compassion and told that Jonathon was electrocuted in a freak storm. Here is part of the article which is loosely translated (if you skip through this article, please be sure to read the end):
Reynaldo Perez Aguilar, coordinator of the Council of the Citizen Power of the district Roberto Alvarado, in Mateare, said yesterday that they will denounce to Fenosa Union before the Police of Sandino City, by the tragedy happened to a woman and to two children in that municipality.
“What he lets to us glimpse he is that there was negligence of Fenosa Union because we have a key witness, who is a neighbor, and to the son of the passed away lady which they watched that at the hour that was divided the cable by the ray that fell to him, this one was left without energy, then the cable was in the ground and they (the victims), do not move of the place because they did not think that Fenosa Union was going to return to put the energy”, indicated Perez Aguilar.
HE WAS UNEXPECTED
Nevertheless, Jorge Katín, manager of Communication of Fenosa Union, said in the first place that he laments the situation because three people passed away.
He indicated that it was a fortuitous fact. “We are before an accident where the victims received a unloading of more than 13 thousand volts and passed away right away. The tragedy could not be anticipated”, emphasized Katín.
It added that already they have the report of the Firemen and the Police where they indicate clearly that one was an accident.
It showed that before a possible denunciation of the relatives of the deceaseds, they already have documents where they will demonstrate that she was an accident after a ray divided the cable, which fell in the house and where there was water.
Katín indicated that the cables of high tension belong to Fenosa Union.
THEY TOOK
Reynaldo Perez Aguilar contradicts to Katín and assured that since the cable fell to the ground, in the house the light went and this one returned to the three minutes and is when energizó everything.
It indicated that the district supports to the family of the victims in the denunciation.
“In that one is (in the denunciation) and not only the relatives and the district, also Mr. Alcalde de Mateare (Mario Acuña), goes to support to us in that direction (in the denunciation) against Fenosa Union”, emphasized Perez Aguilar.
“I believe that tomorrow (today) we are going to put to us in agreement with the relatives and would denounce the case, in Sandino City”, he emphasized Perez.
SON WAS SAVED
Donaldo Montiel, of 17 years, son of Maria Edith Rivas Martinez, of 48 years, one of the victims, was the unique one who were saved.
“The light went away and returned and there it was where my mother, my brother and my nephew (Jonathon) were left patches. They requested aid, I I touched to my mother but by the energizado field she threw to me against the wall of the house that was also with energy”, detailed the adolescent.
“When it was receiving the electrical charge was singing and praying and my nephew (Jonathan Vallecillo) it requested aid to me that helped because it did not resist the load and my brother (Alexander him Montiel Rivas) to only was seeing me. No longer it spoke”, indicated Donaldo Montiel.
Montiel continues narrating the tragedy that happened to him to its mother, brother and nephew.
She indicated that today the family will meet to analyze the denunciation. “My family, my uncles and I am going to demand to Fenosa Union”.
Please pray for Jonathon's family as they sort through this tragedy and for Dave because it is difficult to lose someone you never even met, sometimes. Jonathon's pictures he drew Dave and his smiling picture adorn Dave's cube at work. It is tough. But there is something which makes this way less difficult.
“He died praying. I watched when my nephew fell to the ground and he left blood to him by the mouth, also to my brother. My mother said `to me watches son, we are going away to see in the light' and finishing saying those words right away closed the eyes, left a tear to him and died”, related the adolescent Donaldo Montiel.
Little Jonathon died praying to God. It could have been a faith developed a long time ago. It could have been the outreach through Compassion. That certainly helped as Jonathon was taught about Jesus through Compassion. One difference which makes this tragedy peaceful.
This whole thing made me remember why I started sponsoring in the first place. God put it on my heart. I didn't have a lot of money when I started sponsoring Melvin. Dave was scraping by sometimes but still managed to sponsor Jonathon. Doesn't it make all the different in eternity?
Now, the story gets really sad but it has purpose.
Two weeks ago, Dave was contacted by Compassion and told that Jonathon was electrocuted in a freak storm. Here is part of the article which is loosely translated (if you skip through this article, please be sure to read the end):
Reynaldo Perez Aguilar, coordinator of the Council of the Citizen Power of the district Roberto Alvarado, in Mateare, said yesterday that they will denounce to Fenosa Union before the Police of Sandino City, by the tragedy happened to a woman and to two children in that municipality.
“What he lets to us glimpse he is that there was negligence of Fenosa Union because we have a key witness, who is a neighbor, and to the son of the passed away lady which they watched that at the hour that was divided the cable by the ray that fell to him, this one was left without energy, then the cable was in the ground and they (the victims), do not move of the place because they did not think that Fenosa Union was going to return to put the energy”, indicated Perez Aguilar.
HE WAS UNEXPECTED
Nevertheless, Jorge Katín, manager of Communication of Fenosa Union, said in the first place that he laments the situation because three people passed away.
He indicated that it was a fortuitous fact. “We are before an accident where the victims received a unloading of more than 13 thousand volts and passed away right away. The tragedy could not be anticipated”, emphasized Katín.
It added that already they have the report of the Firemen and the Police where they indicate clearly that one was an accident.
It showed that before a possible denunciation of the relatives of the deceaseds, they already have documents where they will demonstrate that she was an accident after a ray divided the cable, which fell in the house and where there was water.
Katín indicated that the cables of high tension belong to Fenosa Union.
THEY TOOK
Reynaldo Perez Aguilar contradicts to Katín and assured that since the cable fell to the ground, in the house the light went and this one returned to the three minutes and is when energizó everything.
It indicated that the district supports to the family of the victims in the denunciation.
“In that one is (in the denunciation) and not only the relatives and the district, also Mr. Alcalde de Mateare (Mario Acuña), goes to support to us in that direction (in the denunciation) against Fenosa Union”, emphasized Perez Aguilar.
“I believe that tomorrow (today) we are going to put to us in agreement with the relatives and would denounce the case, in Sandino City”, he emphasized Perez.
SON WAS SAVED
Donaldo Montiel, of 17 years, son of Maria Edith Rivas Martinez, of 48 years, one of the victims, was the unique one who were saved.
“The light went away and returned and there it was where my mother, my brother and my nephew (Jonathon) were left patches. They requested aid, I I touched to my mother but by the energizado field she threw to me against the wall of the house that was also with energy”, detailed the adolescent.
“When it was receiving the electrical charge was singing and praying and my nephew (Jonathan Vallecillo) it requested aid to me that helped because it did not resist the load and my brother (Alexander him Montiel Rivas) to only was seeing me. No longer it spoke”, indicated Donaldo Montiel.
Montiel continues narrating the tragedy that happened to him to its mother, brother and nephew.
She indicated that today the family will meet to analyze the denunciation. “My family, my uncles and I am going to demand to Fenosa Union”.
Please pray for Jonathon's family as they sort through this tragedy and for Dave because it is difficult to lose someone you never even met, sometimes. Jonathon's pictures he drew Dave and his smiling picture adorn Dave's cube at work. It is tough. But there is something which makes this way less difficult.
“He died praying. I watched when my nephew fell to the ground and he left blood to him by the mouth, also to my brother. My mother said `to me watches son, we are going away to see in the light' and finishing saying those words right away closed the eyes, left a tear to him and died”, related the adolescent Donaldo Montiel.
Little Jonathon died praying to God. It could have been a faith developed a long time ago. It could have been the outreach through Compassion. That certainly helped as Jonathon was taught about Jesus through Compassion. One difference which makes this tragedy peaceful.
This whole thing made me remember why I started sponsoring in the first place. God put it on my heart. I didn't have a lot of money when I started sponsoring Melvin. Dave was scraping by sometimes but still managed to sponsor Jonathon. Doesn't it make all the different in eternity?
I'm THAT girl
I started getting a shin splint...oh...about a month ago. I did what I thought best which was ignorning it. For some reason, it got worse. Now, it's severe.
This poses a problem because I have to run a 1/2 marathon in October. I need to start training this week.
I also have had to rethink my shoe apparel. While Randi-Kay contemplates the new Nine West shoes, I've had a different revelation: I must wear shoes which are supportive, not nec. cute.
I'm that girl.
Yuck!
So, here's to my first pair of supportive sandals which will help me run which is my goal.
I mourn the loss on super cute shoes but I'm not getting rid of them completely. Not until I have to.
Thanks for not laughing too hard, Randi-Kay.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
It's been a long while...
It's not that I don't want to blog anymore. Really it isn't. I just don't have much access and when I do, that access is used for RivRunners, Myspace and Facebook. It's been an interesting summer. Crazy, silly, sad, fun. Of course, God is still growing me up and Jesus still loves me.
RivRunners has been amazing. This is a group of runners the Lord has pulled together to glorify Him and I think we've been doing a pretty good job (pats self on back). I do give to this group a lot. My free time, my imagination, my love for Jesus...it really does get put into RivRunners. I get way more in return, though which wasn't my intention. This past weekend, I decided to do an informal 5K. I imagined a stopwatch, some cones marking the route and bagels at the finish line. What I got was a calibrated wheel which marked the course officially, chalk arrows showing the runners where to go, a police pacer (Todd on a 10 speed), a water station, a starter pistol, an offical clock from Mid Michigan Track & Field and more support than I ever thought was possible. The group has blessed me. The bonds I have formed and the relationships that have strengthened...amazing. It's crazy when you really put your time and efforts into something and then you start to see the fruits....your reward becomes triple and all you ever really wanted to do was find some people to run with. Thank you, Lord.
Our friends have been great through the ordeal with my brother-in-law, too. Thank you for your prayers and support. It's meant a lot. He's at home now but his health a little shakey.
I miss Harry Pooter (Simpsons movie).
Okay, I must go now. We are late for another place to be!
Love you all....
Holly
RivRunners has been amazing. This is a group of runners the Lord has pulled together to glorify Him and I think we've been doing a pretty good job (pats self on back). I do give to this group a lot. My free time, my imagination, my love for Jesus...it really does get put into RivRunners. I get way more in return, though which wasn't my intention. This past weekend, I decided to do an informal 5K. I imagined a stopwatch, some cones marking the route and bagels at the finish line. What I got was a calibrated wheel which marked the course officially, chalk arrows showing the runners where to go, a police pacer (Todd on a 10 speed), a water station, a starter pistol, an offical clock from Mid Michigan Track & Field and more support than I ever thought was possible. The group has blessed me. The bonds I have formed and the relationships that have strengthened...amazing. It's crazy when you really put your time and efforts into something and then you start to see the fruits....your reward becomes triple and all you ever really wanted to do was find some people to run with. Thank you, Lord.
Our friends have been great through the ordeal with my brother-in-law, too. Thank you for your prayers and support. It's meant a lot. He's at home now but his health a little shakey.
I miss Harry Pooter (Simpsons movie).
Okay, I must go now. We are late for another place to be!
Love you all....
Holly
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Grandma King
Joey's Grandma King passed away at 2:20 a.m. this morning. We kissed the top of her head and said goodbye at 1:30 a.m. When we left, we knew it was the last time but her heart beat was so strong we thought...maybe?
Joey would be much better writing about Janet. What I know about her is so general. She is from a town in Ohio called Mogadore. Her relatives had a rich history there. She met and married Joe Morgan who died of Lupus when their son was six and their daughter, Reta, was just four. A short time later, she married one of the most eligible bachelors in the area, Robert King. They had two more children, Laura and Robin. Somehow, she came to live in the Lansing area and was a member of First Christian Church.
She was in pain most of the time I knew her due to rheumatoid arthritis. It destroyed her feet and her hands. She was a tiny woman with a fiery attitude but she could also be sweet and reflective.
Grandma King fought to accept the grace given to us by God. She just couldn't see how He could really forgive us. I watched last night in her last hours as her grandson, named after her first husband, whispered in her ear, "let go, Grandma. It's okay. We love you but you can go now." When we opened her Bible, there was a note which said, "read John 5:36." So we read it to her.
36"I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me. 37And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, 38nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. 39You diligently study[c] the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, 40yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
41"I do not accept praise from men, 42but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. 43I have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. 44How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God[d]?
We took a break from our visit to have a wonderful dinner with my aunt Ginny and uncle Lynn. It was such a great time. Lots of laughter, lots of planning. We visited the Coles and the Yi afterward and really felt the exhaustion as we drove back to Holt. We wanted to wait until tomorrow to see her again but my heart was leading us back to Janet...and all Joey needed was the reassurance to go.
So we went back and spent the last few hours with her. We probably had too good of a time, laughing with Joey's cousins Travis and Jessica along with Aunt Diana. But there were serious moments, too, like when Jessica discovered Grandma's feet had turned blue within an hour. This young, college co-ed rubbed lotion on her dying grandmother's feet to bring them back. She then rubbed lotion on her arms and massaged her legs. I will never forget this image of Jessica in bed with Grandma as Joey rubbed Grandma's head and held her hand.
We drove home that night listening to "Nothing But The Blood" by Ish. I must mention how moving it is when you need to hear a hymn like this one and this particular time but you not only need to hear the hymn but two of your friends voices are singing it to you.
I dropped Joey off at his house and was in my bed by 2:05. She died soon after and Joey called me around 3:00. I felt relief that this woman didn't have to struggle for breath anymore. I had knelt next to her bed praying for Jesus to come and take her. She was a fighter. She came through several heart surgeries. She was in and out of the hospital taunting death but it needed to be over now. Thank you, Jesus.
It is sad that she will not be at our wedding. She never got to see any of her grandchildren marry and she never held a great-grandchild. She also never met her unborn grandchild due at Thanksgiving. Of course, there's a million other things she never did but the things that count are the ones did do. Janet was loved and loved and was saved from her sins.
Joey would be much better writing about Janet. What I know about her is so general. She is from a town in Ohio called Mogadore. Her relatives had a rich history there. She met and married Joe Morgan who died of Lupus when their son was six and their daughter, Reta, was just four. A short time later, she married one of the most eligible bachelors in the area, Robert King. They had two more children, Laura and Robin. Somehow, she came to live in the Lansing area and was a member of First Christian Church.
She was in pain most of the time I knew her due to rheumatoid arthritis. It destroyed her feet and her hands. She was a tiny woman with a fiery attitude but she could also be sweet and reflective.
Grandma King fought to accept the grace given to us by God. She just couldn't see how He could really forgive us. I watched last night in her last hours as her grandson, named after her first husband, whispered in her ear, "let go, Grandma. It's okay. We love you but you can go now." When we opened her Bible, there was a note which said, "read John 5:36." So we read it to her.
36"I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me. 37And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, 38nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. 39You diligently study[c] the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, 40yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
41"I do not accept praise from men, 42but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. 43I have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. 44How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God[d]?
We took a break from our visit to have a wonderful dinner with my aunt Ginny and uncle Lynn. It was such a great time. Lots of laughter, lots of planning. We visited the Coles and the Yi afterward and really felt the exhaustion as we drove back to Holt. We wanted to wait until tomorrow to see her again but my heart was leading us back to Janet...and all Joey needed was the reassurance to go.
So we went back and spent the last few hours with her. We probably had too good of a time, laughing with Joey's cousins Travis and Jessica along with Aunt Diana. But there were serious moments, too, like when Jessica discovered Grandma's feet had turned blue within an hour. This young, college co-ed rubbed lotion on her dying grandmother's feet to bring them back. She then rubbed lotion on her arms and massaged her legs. I will never forget this image of Jessica in bed with Grandma as Joey rubbed Grandma's head and held her hand.
We drove home that night listening to "Nothing But The Blood" by Ish. I must mention how moving it is when you need to hear a hymn like this one and this particular time but you not only need to hear the hymn but two of your friends voices are singing it to you.
I dropped Joey off at his house and was in my bed by 2:05. She died soon after and Joey called me around 3:00. I felt relief that this woman didn't have to struggle for breath anymore. I had knelt next to her bed praying for Jesus to come and take her. She was a fighter. She came through several heart surgeries. She was in and out of the hospital taunting death but it needed to be over now. Thank you, Jesus.
It is sad that she will not be at our wedding. She never got to see any of her grandchildren marry and she never held a great-grandchild. She also never met her unborn grandchild due at Thanksgiving. Of course, there's a million other things she never did but the things that count are the ones did do. Janet was loved and loved and was saved from her sins.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Dependence Day
Two years ago today, I was flying over the Atlantic arriving home from an exhausting journey. I was so happy and relieved to be back in the U.S. The first thing I did when I got off the plane was buy a Vernor's.
So much has changed since then but I'm still glad to be right where I am.
Joey and I went to Columbus to visit a very sick friend this past weekend. The trip was a little intense for us and at one point, I was calling anyone I could think of asking for prayer. I got through to Suz and she prayed for me over the phone. Really, this weekend was about not listening to Satan tell me I'm not good enough to do work for God. It was about having faith, not fear, when God asks you to do something.
We met up for dinner with Bob and Terra. Bob is Krissie's ex-boyfriend turned best friend and Terra is his fiance. We had fun seeing downtown Columbus and then seeing the house Bob and Terra are moving into after their marriage in October.
We stayed at Terra's house. She lives with her parents and her father is the head pastor of the church. Christ is so cool (I say that all the time). These people didn't even know us but put us up for the night. And the rooms were like out of a bed and breakfast. Four poster, canopy beds with plush duvet's and a step stool to get into the bed.
The following morning we attended church with them. I felt like we were on a TV show. Everything was so white and big. The church was huge and it made me wonder if this is what Riv will look like soon. It made me almost wish to keep our church the same.
The pastor who taught said something really cool. Christians have the freedom to obey and freedom comes to those who walk in obedience.
During our trip, Joey and I were listening to Paul Harvey. He said the following: Americans think freedom means Independence but really it is a DEPENDENCE to follow the laws of this nation in order to keep it free. Our founding fathers did not see this as an opportunity to go nuts with freedoms. They were dependent on God and His will. Freedom not to do whatever you want, but freedom to do what you ought.
So much has changed since then but I'm still glad to be right where I am.
Joey and I went to Columbus to visit a very sick friend this past weekend. The trip was a little intense for us and at one point, I was calling anyone I could think of asking for prayer. I got through to Suz and she prayed for me over the phone. Really, this weekend was about not listening to Satan tell me I'm not good enough to do work for God. It was about having faith, not fear, when God asks you to do something.
We met up for dinner with Bob and Terra. Bob is Krissie's ex-boyfriend turned best friend and Terra is his fiance. We had fun seeing downtown Columbus and then seeing the house Bob and Terra are moving into after their marriage in October.
We stayed at Terra's house. She lives with her parents and her father is the head pastor of the church. Christ is so cool (I say that all the time). These people didn't even know us but put us up for the night. And the rooms were like out of a bed and breakfast. Four poster, canopy beds with plush duvet's and a step stool to get into the bed.
The following morning we attended church with them. I felt like we were on a TV show. Everything was so white and big. The church was huge and it made me wonder if this is what Riv will look like soon. It made me almost wish to keep our church the same.
The pastor who taught said something really cool. Christians have the freedom to obey and freedom comes to those who walk in obedience.
During our trip, Joey and I were listening to Paul Harvey. He said the following: Americans think freedom means Independence but really it is a DEPENDENCE to follow the laws of this nation in order to keep it free. Our founding fathers did not see this as an opportunity to go nuts with freedoms. They were dependent on God and His will. Freedom not to do whatever you want, but freedom to do what you ought.
Transformers
We got in line two and a half hours early. Really, it wasn't necessary but it made Jr. and Joey feel better. Plus, we beat the other nerds there by about 15 minutes. We were decked out in our Transformers t-shirts and ready to roll out. Here is the cast of characters:
Joey
Les
Amy Corr
Me
Bradley
Lyndsay
Reta
Denny
Rebecca
Bobby D
Ben Shoe
Weird but there were a TON of Christians there. Yes, we can pick each other out in a crowd (plus we saw you there in the second row, JR Miller).
Truly, I liked this movie. Some of it was a little too sexual for the younger crowd and some of the humor was...dumb...but it was the humor I like. I never watched Transformers growing up but I could really buy into the whole nostalgia stuff and I knew some of it came from the cartoon. Plus, seeing Joey as excited as I am over a chocolate martini made me happy.
Seriously, go see this movie. Don't make me slap you.
Joey
Les
Amy Corr
Me
Bradley
Lyndsay
Reta
Denny
Rebecca
Bobby D
Ben Shoe
Weird but there were a TON of Christians there. Yes, we can pick each other out in a crowd (plus we saw you there in the second row, JR Miller).
Truly, I liked this movie. Some of it was a little too sexual for the younger crowd and some of the humor was...dumb...but it was the humor I like. I never watched Transformers growing up but I could really buy into the whole nostalgia stuff and I knew some of it came from the cartoon. Plus, seeing Joey as excited as I am over a chocolate martini made me happy.
Seriously, go see this movie. Don't make me slap you.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Rainbow
She was a little freaked out when the doctor said, "We're going to need you to come back in for an ultrasound." During the previous appointment, the doctor had said the lump was nothing to be concerned about and an ultrasound probably wasn't necessary. Now it was.
She tried not to panic as she waited for the nurse but breast cancer at 31, or any age, was enough to freak out about. Her baby was going to a year old on Wednesday and father's day was sad. It had been far too long since her dad died and she could really use his reassurance right now. He was always there for her and had promised her rainbows when things went wrong. The day he died, a rainbow stretched across the sky and made her smile.
The technician entered the room and began the ultrasound. The tech found the lump and she held her breath as fear crept into her body.
"Is it still raining outside?" the tech suddenly asked.
She couldn't believe this person was making small talk!
"Uh, yeah, when I came in it was."
"Ya know, I saw the biggest rainbow this morning. It was the biggest I'd ever seen," the tech went on.
Chills went down her spine and peace settled over her. She knew at that moment everything was going to turn out fine.
And it did. The lump turned out to be scar tissue from a previous surgery.
"I just knew my dad was with me, Holly, and God, too," she told me just moments ago.
"Rainbows are a promise from God," I responded.
God is so cool.
She tried not to panic as she waited for the nurse but breast cancer at 31, or any age, was enough to freak out about. Her baby was going to a year old on Wednesday and father's day was sad. It had been far too long since her dad died and she could really use his reassurance right now. He was always there for her and had promised her rainbows when things went wrong. The day he died, a rainbow stretched across the sky and made her smile.
The technician entered the room and began the ultrasound. The tech found the lump and she held her breath as fear crept into her body.
"Is it still raining outside?" the tech suddenly asked.
She couldn't believe this person was making small talk!
"Uh, yeah, when I came in it was."
"Ya know, I saw the biggest rainbow this morning. It was the biggest I'd ever seen," the tech went on.
Chills went down her spine and peace settled over her. She knew at that moment everything was going to turn out fine.
And it did. The lump turned out to be scar tissue from a previous surgery.
"I just knew my dad was with me, Holly, and God, too," she told me just moments ago.
"Rainbows are a promise from God," I responded.
God is so cool.
Crusin with the Crew
Wednesdays (most of them) from 7-9 pm I can be heard live on the Crusin with the Crew show on 1460 AM or on your internet www.wpon.com. It's been pretty fun interviewing Paul Le Mat and Davy Jones from the Monkees. I'm not that great of a special guest/host but I've been having a blast. My parents listen online and call in requests. You can, too because I think we have 4 or 5 other listeners. Saturday, June 09, 2007
Weird Week
This week has been incredibly weird.
First, the flight that went down in Lake Michigan. How freaky is that?
Then, the girl who was abducted from the Target parking lot in Kansas. It made women everywhere pay more attention to their surroundings.
And then, a popular disc jockey on WMUZ, a Christian radio station, died suddenly on Monday night at the age of 46. Rhonda Hart did the morning show on this station. She went to lunch with her colleagues, went home and died in her sleep.
I also heard about some lost pregnancies.
Man, my prayers are with you all and I'm really praying for a less creepy week.
First, the flight that went down in Lake Michigan. How freaky is that?
Then, the girl who was abducted from the Target parking lot in Kansas. It made women everywhere pay more attention to their surroundings.
And then, a popular disc jockey on WMUZ, a Christian radio station, died suddenly on Monday night at the age of 46. Rhonda Hart did the morning show on this station. She went to lunch with her colleagues, went home and died in her sleep.
I also heard about some lost pregnancies.
Man, my prayers are with you all and I'm really praying for a less creepy week.
Turn and face the strange....
Remember how I wrote about not really wanting to change so I felt like God was going to change my surroundings to shake me up a bit? I still hold to that.
Someone recently told me they think I don't like death because I don't like change. There are some changes people embrace but I think every kind of change means letting go of something else...and when you let go of that something else, most times there is a little bit of sadness there.
I do not think I have a problem with death. It just happens in my life a lot. I have a friend who has never been to a funeral where he knew the person personally. I attended my first funeral at the age of 12. So you see, I do think death is sad even if the person was a Christian but I find it devastating if the person wasn't. I think my outlook is a pretty healthy one.
But this post isn't about death...so to speak.
I moved into a new apartment last week. Well, technically, it's new but I actually lived in the apartment across the parking lot in 2003. The whole thing is freaking me out. As much as I loved 2003, I don't want to go back there and I feel like I went back in time. My apartment faces a different direction but it is the same, exact set up. The other day, I thought about who I was the last time I moved in which would have been October 2002.
Who moved me the first time? Dean, Errol, my mom and Francois.
Who moved me in this time? Joey, Travis and Yi
I was dating BT last time.
I am engaged to JAC now.
My closest friends were Ry, Bek, Ang, Patrick, Russ, Andy, Jake, M & B and BT
Now: JAC, Yi, Jennwy, Peter, Krissie and some other people who I am growing closer to all the time. Please don't misunderstand. I still love the people I was close to then and I'm still somewhat close to them now but not like we were. Our lives have changed. Crazy thing is that I didn't even know the people I would consider my closest peeps today. Didn't even know they existed. That thought hit me so hard when I was walking through my living room on Wednesday. There was no Yi. There were no Awesomes. No Lilly's. No Megs. None of them except for Joey but he was a memory at the time. All of that changed me. And why was that?
Then: I followed me.
Now: I follow Christ.
I became a Christian while I lived in these apartments in 2002-2003. In the past week, I have found myself in various spots and remembered certain things. This is where Joey signed my Bible. This is where my mom and I had a discussion. Joey told me he loved me right here. I shared the gospel for the first time in this room.
It's crazy. So many things have been reminding me how far I have come as a Christian. A friend of mine told me not to measure my "progress" but hey, I have come a long way! I have another posting about that later, though.
Let me know if you want to come visit me. I get really lonely (especially without cable TV).
Someone recently told me they think I don't like death because I don't like change. There are some changes people embrace but I think every kind of change means letting go of something else...and when you let go of that something else, most times there is a little bit of sadness there.
I do not think I have a problem with death. It just happens in my life a lot. I have a friend who has never been to a funeral where he knew the person personally. I attended my first funeral at the age of 12. So you see, I do think death is sad even if the person was a Christian but I find it devastating if the person wasn't. I think my outlook is a pretty healthy one.
But this post isn't about death...so to speak.
I moved into a new apartment last week. Well, technically, it's new but I actually lived in the apartment across the parking lot in 2003. The whole thing is freaking me out. As much as I loved 2003, I don't want to go back there and I feel like I went back in time. My apartment faces a different direction but it is the same, exact set up. The other day, I thought about who I was the last time I moved in which would have been October 2002.
Who moved me the first time? Dean, Errol, my mom and Francois.
Who moved me in this time? Joey, Travis and Yi
I was dating BT last time.
I am engaged to JAC now.
My closest friends were Ry, Bek, Ang, Patrick, Russ, Andy, Jake, M & B and BT
Now: JAC, Yi, Jennwy, Peter, Krissie and some other people who I am growing closer to all the time. Please don't misunderstand. I still love the people I was close to then and I'm still somewhat close to them now but not like we were. Our lives have changed. Crazy thing is that I didn't even know the people I would consider my closest peeps today. Didn't even know they existed. That thought hit me so hard when I was walking through my living room on Wednesday. There was no Yi. There were no Awesomes. No Lilly's. No Megs. None of them except for Joey but he was a memory at the time. All of that changed me. And why was that?
Then: I followed me.
Now: I follow Christ.
I became a Christian while I lived in these apartments in 2002-2003. In the past week, I have found myself in various spots and remembered certain things. This is where Joey signed my Bible. This is where my mom and I had a discussion. Joey told me he loved me right here. I shared the gospel for the first time in this room.
It's crazy. So many things have been reminding me how far I have come as a Christian. A friend of mine told me not to measure my "progress" but hey, I have come a long way! I have another posting about that later, though.
Let me know if you want to come visit me. I get really lonely (especially without cable TV).
The Unsinkables
They walked down the aisle to some movie soundtrack.
They walked back down the aisle to another movie soundtrack.
They had us sing two hymns during the wedding and I loved both.
The wedding party came out to the reception to the A-Team theme song.
The groom dedicated a Wilco song to his wife.
They cut the cake with a sword.
They had buffet "stations": Italian, Chinese, American and a mashed potato bar.
You've got to be kidding me.
Meg's wedding was simply fantastic and awesome. I am so honored she asked me to be a witness to her vows. I pray the Unsinkables will be unsinkable. I'll miss our Meg because we are losing her to Cincinnati...but we are gaining a David. Thank you, Meg for a lovely wedding.
The other parts of the weekend were interesting, too.
We left a little late for Ohio. An unplanned stop to Woody's Oasis and Wendy's held us up. The trip down there was full of interesting discussions between Joey, Yi, Peter and I. Jenny, Dana and Amanda were in the car in front of us. We each paid $35 total for a two night stay at a really nice hotel. We went to breakfast at a restaurant called Riverview. Yeah, that's right. 
Riverview restaurant.
After we ate, we decided to sight see. Except, I forgot to pack a strapless bra...so, we spent the afternoon at the mall. Yeah, totally American. But we had fun and look at the yummy treat which greeted us:
The wedding and reception were in an old, beautiful church.
I love this picture.
Such a fantastic time.
On the way home, we got to see the scary Jesus in the daylight, drove through lake waters trying to get back home, and stopped at Peter's favorite restaurant: Schlotzsky's. Here is a picture of pure happiness:
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