Life Manual
I was flipping through the channels last night when I caught the end of a show I’ve never watched before: Reba. The reason I stopped on it was because I recognized the black actress who was on the screen but couldn’t figure out where I had seen her before. Almost immediately, I was sucked into the scene (stay with me on this one).
The woman was dusting a picture of Reba’s family and Reba was admitting to her friend that she was frustrated. I quickly learned that the woman and about 18 other people were living with Reba and it was becoming overwhelming. The woman explained to Reba that she had sent the others to the park so she could tell Reba something: they were going back to New Orleans. Reba’s attitude quickly changed. She told her friend no, they couldn’t leave. It would be too difficult to go back there. The friend said to Reba, “no, we are going back and rebuilding our city.”
I thought about how relevant that storyline was and still is to many people. I thought about how a lot of sitcoms don’t tackle current events. I almost changed the channel…but I didn’t.
Reba sighed and said to the woman, “I wish life came with a manual, you know?” Immediately, my thoughts turned to the Bible but I knew they would never bring up THAT life manual.
“Reba,” the woman said, “when’s the last time you opened your Bible?” Whoa. Suddenly, both characters were standing in front of a book which was standing on a book stand on the coffee table. Reba looked down and read, “Isa 4:6 There will be a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and refuge and protection from the storm and the rain.”
That made me smile. I used to be afraid of my Bible. Where do I start? One time, when I was more curious than seeking, I started from the beginning in the King James Bible my mama gave me when I was four. I was worn out by the end of Exodus. I couldn’t go on. I remember my friend Mike telling me I couldn’t read it that way. I got angry and said I could read it anyway I wanted. So stubborn. By the time I got my current Bible, I was ready to open it to any page and start reading. I think I started with the New Testament.
No, I have read the entire Bible. I haven’t even read the entire NT. I’m close but I’m taking time to meditate on the words. I have a friend who asks God, “show me something you want me to know,” and then she randomly opens her Bible up. Always, she is led to a verse she needed to hear. Bible’s can be intimidating for a new comer. This is the word of God! It’s also been around for thousands of years. And how true is it (let me know if that is a question you have)? And will I understand it?
It has related to people for two thousand years. It is truer than you know. Pray and ask God to help you understand. You will and His messages will blow you away, love you and help you live your life with true happiness. The Bible is the best Life Manual ever written.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Parables
Parable 1: Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman
I decided I was going to do a Bible Study. I study in my bi-weekly small group, at Riv and sometimes in my Wednesday small group but I wanted to do one on my own. I decided that each week, I would study one of Jesus’ parables to help me understand them better so that I will know and understand HIM better.
The thing is, I need your help if you are willing. So, timid reader, would you be willing to step out of the shadows to help me with this Bible study?
We will begin with this one:
Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman
36Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. 37When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, 38and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.
39When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner."
40Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you."
"Tell me, teacher," he said.
41"Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,[d] and the other fifty. 42Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"
43Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said.
44Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."
48Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."
49The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"
50Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
Holly’s thoughts:
First: the host of the dinner—the Pharisee. The Pharisee invites Jesus to dinner and Jesus accepted. Were they friends? How did they know each other? My understanding of the Pharisees is they didn’t like Jesus one bit. He threw their religiousy attitudes back in their faces. This relationship must be different. He invited Jesus to dinner so that must say something about the Pharisee. Perhaps he was curious about Jesus? This Pharisee is willing to learn from Jesus as He tells a story and even calls Jesus teacher. Hmmm…. The Pharisee also considers Jesus’ divinity when he says, “If this man were a prophet...” This could mean that this Pharisee was at least considering Jesus was somewhat divine instead of the whacko everyone else thought he was. Did this Pharisee have a name? Jesus calls him Simon. Isn’t one of the disciples named Simon? This isn’t one of the twelve is it? The Pharisee responds by calling Jesus teacher…so could he be a disciple?
Jesus makes some comments about the Pharisee’s hospitality. The Pharisee didn’t offer Jesus water to wash his feet. Back in the day, this would have been a normal thing to do as one’s feet got very dirty walking around in sandals. Why didn’t the Pharisee offer the water? People greeted each other with a kiss, much like they do in the Arabic culture now. This man did not greet Jesus in this manner. Why didn’t the Pharisee kiss Jesus? I’ve read that oil was nice for someone’s head in those days because there weren’t a variety of shampoos. The Pharisee didn’t offer Jesus oil for His head. Why? I’m not so sure that Jesus was “keeping score” of what the host was and was not doing for his guest. I think Jesus was responding to the low faith level and the judgment call made by the Pharisee when he said, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner." Maybe she was a sinner (like all of us) but look how SHE treated Jesus.
Second: the Sinful Woman
What made this woman sinful? What this parable tells us about the woman: she lived a sinful life, she is a sinner, she was weeping, her many sins have been forgiven. The woman had heard Jesus was at the house and went there wanting to see Him. Why? We can guess that this woman was a prostitute because her hair was available to wipe Jesus’ feet. Women did not leave their hair exposed unless they were “loose”. So why did this sinful woman want to see Jesus so badly? To turn a trick? No. Immediately, she bowed down to Him, served Him by washing His feet and not with water but with her own tears. She was crying. Why? Was she looking for forgiveness? Was she ashamed? If you notice, the woman never says a word. It is her actions of humbling herself before someone she viewed as her savior that show us who she is and what she seeks: forgiveness.
Third: the story
So, two dudes owed a lot of money. One owed 500 denarii and one owed 50. Neither could pay. So, the moneylender forgave both of them. Who was more appreciative? The one who owed more, of course. Actually, I’m not sure I totally get that. How can you compare someone’s appreciation with another person’s but whatever. Jesus agreed so I trust Him. The part I’m struggling to understand is probably the main point of the whole parable: 47Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." I know we are to forgive every sin committed against us as we are forgiven for the ones we commit. But what is Jesus trying to say about forgiveness and love? She loved Him more so she is forgiven more? Or, she loved Him more which showed how strong her faith is in Christ as her savior therefore, her sins are forgiven?
Those are some of my thoughts. Do you have any light you can shed? Direction to point me in? Points to make? Clarifications? Please, comment away…
I decided I was going to do a Bible Study. I study in my bi-weekly small group, at Riv and sometimes in my Wednesday small group but I wanted to do one on my own. I decided that each week, I would study one of Jesus’ parables to help me understand them better so that I will know and understand HIM better.
The thing is, I need your help if you are willing. So, timid reader, would you be willing to step out of the shadows to help me with this Bible study?
We will begin with this one:
Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman
36Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. 37When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, 38and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.
39When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner."
40Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you."
"Tell me, teacher," he said.
41"Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,[d] and the other fifty. 42Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"
43Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said.
44Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."
48Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."
49The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"
50Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
Holly’s thoughts:
First: the host of the dinner—the Pharisee. The Pharisee invites Jesus to dinner and Jesus accepted. Were they friends? How did they know each other? My understanding of the Pharisees is they didn’t like Jesus one bit. He threw their religiousy attitudes back in their faces. This relationship must be different. He invited Jesus to dinner so that must say something about the Pharisee. Perhaps he was curious about Jesus? This Pharisee is willing to learn from Jesus as He tells a story and even calls Jesus teacher. Hmmm…. The Pharisee also considers Jesus’ divinity when he says, “If this man were a prophet...” This could mean that this Pharisee was at least considering Jesus was somewhat divine instead of the whacko everyone else thought he was. Did this Pharisee have a name? Jesus calls him Simon. Isn’t one of the disciples named Simon? This isn’t one of the twelve is it? The Pharisee responds by calling Jesus teacher…so could he be a disciple?
Jesus makes some comments about the Pharisee’s hospitality. The Pharisee didn’t offer Jesus water to wash his feet. Back in the day, this would have been a normal thing to do as one’s feet got very dirty walking around in sandals. Why didn’t the Pharisee offer the water? People greeted each other with a kiss, much like they do in the Arabic culture now. This man did not greet Jesus in this manner. Why didn’t the Pharisee kiss Jesus? I’ve read that oil was nice for someone’s head in those days because there weren’t a variety of shampoos. The Pharisee didn’t offer Jesus oil for His head. Why? I’m not so sure that Jesus was “keeping score” of what the host was and was not doing for his guest. I think Jesus was responding to the low faith level and the judgment call made by the Pharisee when he said, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner." Maybe she was a sinner (like all of us) but look how SHE treated Jesus.
Second: the Sinful Woman
What made this woman sinful? What this parable tells us about the woman: she lived a sinful life, she is a sinner, she was weeping, her many sins have been forgiven. The woman had heard Jesus was at the house and went there wanting to see Him. Why? We can guess that this woman was a prostitute because her hair was available to wipe Jesus’ feet. Women did not leave their hair exposed unless they were “loose”. So why did this sinful woman want to see Jesus so badly? To turn a trick? No. Immediately, she bowed down to Him, served Him by washing His feet and not with water but with her own tears. She was crying. Why? Was she looking for forgiveness? Was she ashamed? If you notice, the woman never says a word. It is her actions of humbling herself before someone she viewed as her savior that show us who she is and what she seeks: forgiveness.
Third: the story
So, two dudes owed a lot of money. One owed 500 denarii and one owed 50. Neither could pay. So, the moneylender forgave both of them. Who was more appreciative? The one who owed more, of course. Actually, I’m not sure I totally get that. How can you compare someone’s appreciation with another person’s but whatever. Jesus agreed so I trust Him. The part I’m struggling to understand is probably the main point of the whole parable: 47Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." I know we are to forgive every sin committed against us as we are forgiven for the ones we commit. But what is Jesus trying to say about forgiveness and love? She loved Him more so she is forgiven more? Or, she loved Him more which showed how strong her faith is in Christ as her savior therefore, her sins are forgiven?
Those are some of my thoughts. Do you have any light you can shed? Direction to point me in? Points to make? Clarifications? Please, comment away…
Monday, November 27, 2006
Update on my cousin Justin—he is doing awesome but is still in Walter Reed hospital which is in Maryland. He lost three fingers on his right hand: his index, ring and pinky fingers are stubs. Actually, his index finger is the worst and will be completely removed, knuckle and all. His left calf muscle is pretty torn up. He rides around in a wheel chair and has been fitted for some type of hand. Joey understands the details better than I do. Bottom line to me is that he is happy, healthy and recovering.
Saturday was good times. Joey and I drove to Lake Odessa to see Justin’s siblings, my other cousins. Josh just got out of basic training in South Carolina. Stacey goes to Grand Rapids CC and Hunter is a freshman in high school. I asked Josh for directions to their house to make sure I remembered where they live. I asked him for road names.
Josh: Uh…I don’t really know road names. I’m more of a “take a left at the tree that burned down 2 years ago and a right at the yellow fire hydrant.”
We took them out for pizza and laughed almost the whole time. They are some crazy kids. When Joey and I were leaving, Josh gave us directions to the freeway. “Take a right where I hit that deer a few years ago and a left where I dropped my gum the other day.”
We drove out to Jenison to visit my best friend from grade school. Jenny and her husband Nate became Christians a few years ago and it was an amazing time reconnecting with them. They are so happy and have three beautiful kids. We went out to eat and spent so much of our time talking about the blessings in our lives. I love talking to people freely about God and what He does in my life. It feels good to have another brother and sister, too :o) When we were leaving, Joey said, “I wish they lived closer. Nate and I would definitely be sharpening each other’s faith.”
We had fun on the way home talking, laughing and playing "name that artist" with the radio stations. I, of course, remain the champ.
Saturday was good times. Joey and I drove to Lake Odessa to see Justin’s siblings, my other cousins. Josh just got out of basic training in South Carolina. Stacey goes to Grand Rapids CC and Hunter is a freshman in high school. I asked Josh for directions to their house to make sure I remembered where they live. I asked him for road names.
Josh: Uh…I don’t really know road names. I’m more of a “take a left at the tree that burned down 2 years ago and a right at the yellow fire hydrant.”
We took them out for pizza and laughed almost the whole time. They are some crazy kids. When Joey and I were leaving, Josh gave us directions to the freeway. “Take a right where I hit that deer a few years ago and a left where I dropped my gum the other day.”
We drove out to Jenison to visit my best friend from grade school. Jenny and her husband Nate became Christians a few years ago and it was an amazing time reconnecting with them. They are so happy and have three beautiful kids. We went out to eat and spent so much of our time talking about the blessings in our lives. I love talking to people freely about God and what He does in my life. It feels good to have another brother and sister, too :o) When we were leaving, Joey said, “I wish they lived closer. Nate and I would definitely be sharpening each other’s faith.”
We had fun on the way home talking, laughing and playing "name that artist" with the radio stations. I, of course, remain the champ.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Green Friday & RFK
Black Friday-1
Joey and Holly-1
We evend the score yesterday by refusing to go to the "hot spots" those evil stores wanted us to go to. We said no to Circuit City, Best Buy, Staples, and Office Max. Where did we go then at 6am? Shoe Carnival. Yeah, baby.
It was packed and we were laughing as soon as we got out of the car. Shoe Carnival? Are you kidding? Pretty getto. But for some reason, Joey and I love this place. We entered the store and just could not stop laughing. The place was crazy and the announcer dude was all over the place announcing different specials going on around the store. At one point, he said, "okay, shoppers, $3 off to the first person in line who can give me the name of the son on Sanford and Son." A few minutes later, it was, "okay, people in line, the first person who can give me a coin from the year 2003 gets $4 off their purchase."
We left the fun at Shoe Carnival, fueled up at Speedway and McDonald's and headed over to Kohl's. The place was MAD. The line was wrapped around the store. We saw a friend in line who needed help carrying her 5 Kitchenmaid blenders to the car so after helping her, we went to the mall. AH! Maddness again! But I really think Joey and I were smart about it. We didn't have to wait in any long lines and got some really good deals. Yes, we were happily sitting at home by 2pm.
After a low-stress stop at Target and going to visit Joey's parents at the Leslie store, we went to see the movie Bobby. I was hoping the movie would be more like JFK but no. It was slow moving and I kept forgetting the movie was about Robert Kennedy. There was so much focus on the side stories of a handful of characters staying or working at the Ambassador Hotel the day Bobby was shot. I got frustrated at certain points because it just didn't seem to be the movie I thought it would be. And then those last few minutes before he was killed...the entire movie came together so quickly. Really nice job. Still slow, though.
Something cool about this movie and this event in history I may or may not have mentioned before: my step-mom was at the Ambassador Hotel the night Bobby was shot. She had signed up to be a Kennedy Girl which meant that she stood on the podium wearing a white dress and a sash that read "Kennedy." The purpose of the Kennedy Girls was to get the crowd fired up before Robert came out to speak. Now, I can't remember if she was in the ballroom where he spoke or if she was waiting for him to enter the next ballroom after he went through the kitchen. In any case, there were TV monitors around the room she was in and it was like a wave of horror as people realized what had just happened. The campaign people ran to the Kennedy Girls and had them rip off all of their Kennedy stuff. No one knew who could be targeted. The snuck them out of the hotel and put them in hiding in some other hotel. It was a crazy, scary, sad night for my step-mom. If you watch the movie, you can see some of the Kennedy Girls in the crowd after Bobby is wounded.
Oh! I have a little tip for all of you Black Friday shoppers to use next year. I got on Circuit City's website at 5:33am and was able to order anything in thier ad. I putzed around too long and at 6:00am they emptied my cart. I went back to put stuff back in and they had changed all the items to "In Store Purchases only." So, up until the store opened, I could have ordered anything online and beat the system. It's all about beating the system, you know....
Joey and Holly-1
We evend the score yesterday by refusing to go to the "hot spots" those evil stores wanted us to go to. We said no to Circuit City, Best Buy, Staples, and Office Max. Where did we go then at 6am? Shoe Carnival. Yeah, baby.
It was packed and we were laughing as soon as we got out of the car. Shoe Carnival? Are you kidding? Pretty getto. But for some reason, Joey and I love this place. We entered the store and just could not stop laughing. The place was crazy and the announcer dude was all over the place announcing different specials going on around the store. At one point, he said, "okay, shoppers, $3 off to the first person in line who can give me the name of the son on Sanford and Son." A few minutes later, it was, "okay, people in line, the first person who can give me a coin from the year 2003 gets $4 off their purchase."
We left the fun at Shoe Carnival, fueled up at Speedway and McDonald's and headed over to Kohl's. The place was MAD. The line was wrapped around the store. We saw a friend in line who needed help carrying her 5 Kitchenmaid blenders to the car so after helping her, we went to the mall. AH! Maddness again! But I really think Joey and I were smart about it. We didn't have to wait in any long lines and got some really good deals. Yes, we were happily sitting at home by 2pm.
After a low-stress stop at Target and going to visit Joey's parents at the Leslie store, we went to see the movie Bobby. I was hoping the movie would be more like JFK but no. It was slow moving and I kept forgetting the movie was about Robert Kennedy. There was so much focus on the side stories of a handful of characters staying or working at the Ambassador Hotel the day Bobby was shot. I got frustrated at certain points because it just didn't seem to be the movie I thought it would be. And then those last few minutes before he was killed...the entire movie came together so quickly. Really nice job. Still slow, though.
Something cool about this movie and this event in history I may or may not have mentioned before: my step-mom was at the Ambassador Hotel the night Bobby was shot. She had signed up to be a Kennedy Girl which meant that she stood on the podium wearing a white dress and a sash that read "Kennedy." The purpose of the Kennedy Girls was to get the crowd fired up before Robert came out to speak. Now, I can't remember if she was in the ballroom where he spoke or if she was waiting for him to enter the next ballroom after he went through the kitchen. In any case, there were TV monitors around the room she was in and it was like a wave of horror as people realized what had just happened. The campaign people ran to the Kennedy Girls and had them rip off all of their Kennedy stuff. No one knew who could be targeted. The snuck them out of the hotel and put them in hiding in some other hotel. It was a crazy, scary, sad night for my step-mom. If you watch the movie, you can see some of the Kennedy Girls in the crowd after Bobby is wounded.
Oh! I have a little tip for all of you Black Friday shoppers to use next year. I got on Circuit City's website at 5:33am and was able to order anything in thier ad. I putzed around too long and at 6:00am they emptied my cart. I went back to put stuff back in and they had changed all the items to "In Store Purchases only." So, up until the store opened, I could have ordered anything online and beat the system. It's all about beating the system, you know....
Face Plant
Someone recently pointed something out to me. This is a huge point of something which seems so "duh" but I've been missing it. It's too big for me to not write and share. It's all about worshipping God.
First--the definition of Worship according to Dictionary.com
1. reverent honor and homage paid to God or a sacred personage, or to any object regarded as sacred.
2. formal or ceremonious rendering of such honor and homage: They attended worship this morning.
3. adoring reverence or regard: excessive worship of business success.
4. the object of adoring reverence or regard.
At Riv, we start with singing worship. We move into a relevant lesson of life which is also a form of worship. We tithe which is worship. We sing again--worship. I get that there are several forms. But how much worshipping do I do when I'm not at church?
I was listening to one of my favorite teacher this past week and wow. So many good points. How often do I ask God for stuff?
"You do not have, because you do not ask God." James 4:2
Well, I do ask. But there is something missing from my every day life. Worshipping God.
When we are worshipping God, His character is released in us. Could you really stay an angry, hateful, frustrated person when you are on your knees thanking God for everything you DO have instead of asking for what you DON'T? It's nearly impossible not to get that realease when planting your face to the ground. God wants to be worshipped. He's God. He should be. And how often do I fall to the ground and thank Him, honor Him, tell Him how much I love Him even if He already knows my heart? Hardly ever.
In the Bible, people asked Jesus to perform miracles all the time. But what did these people do before they asked? They worshipped. In Matthew 8:2 "A man with leprosy[a] came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." Yes, we are to ask God for anything but first we need to worship. This teacher made the comment, "give Him more praise than petition." Start with praise and thanksgiving. Change comes after we worship Him. It opens our hearts to the Lord and it closes our hearts to the Satan.
Check this out:
Matthew 9:18
18While he was saying this, a ruler came and knelt before him and said, "My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live." How did Jesus react? 19Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples.
Mark 5:1-6
6When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7He shouted at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won't torture me!" 8For Jesus had said to him, "Come out of this man, you evil spirit!"
These are people who bowed down to the Lord and asked for His help. They recognized Jesus as God and acted accordingly. And Jesus responds to these people over and over. Now, check this out:
Matthew 15:22
A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession."
23Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, "Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us."
First--the definition of Worship according to Dictionary.com
1. reverent honor and homage paid to God or a sacred personage, or to any object regarded as sacred.
2. formal or ceremonious rendering of such honor and homage: They attended worship this morning.
3. adoring reverence or regard: excessive worship of business success.
4. the object of adoring reverence or regard.
At Riv, we start with singing worship. We move into a relevant lesson of life which is also a form of worship. We tithe which is worship. We sing again--worship. I get that there are several forms. But how much worshipping do I do when I'm not at church?
I was listening to one of my favorite teacher this past week and wow. So many good points. How often do I ask God for stuff?
"You do not have, because you do not ask God." James 4:2
Well, I do ask. But there is something missing from my every day life. Worshipping God.
When we are worshipping God, His character is released in us. Could you really stay an angry, hateful, frustrated person when you are on your knees thanking God for everything you DO have instead of asking for what you DON'T? It's nearly impossible not to get that realease when planting your face to the ground. God wants to be worshipped. He's God. He should be. And how often do I fall to the ground and thank Him, honor Him, tell Him how much I love Him even if He already knows my heart? Hardly ever.
In the Bible, people asked Jesus to perform miracles all the time. But what did these people do before they asked? They worshipped. In Matthew 8:2 "A man with leprosy[a] came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." Yes, we are to ask God for anything but first we need to worship. This teacher made the comment, "give Him more praise than petition." Start with praise and thanksgiving. Change comes after we worship Him. It opens our hearts to the Lord and it closes our hearts to the Satan.
Check this out:
Matthew 9:18
18While he was saying this, a ruler came and knelt before him and said, "My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live." How did Jesus react? 19Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples.
Mark 5:1-6
6When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7He shouted at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won't torture me!" 8For Jesus had said to him, "Come out of this man, you evil spirit!"
These are people who bowed down to the Lord and asked for His help. They recognized Jesus as God and acted accordingly. And Jesus responds to these people over and over. Now, check this out:
Matthew 15:22
A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession."
23Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, "Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us."
Why didn't Jesus answer her? Was he finally reaching an unsympathetic point? Was he burned out on miracles?
24He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel."
25The woman came and knelt before him. "Lord, help me!" she said.
26He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs."
27"Yes, Lord," she said, "but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table."
28Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
This teacher, who I now confess is Joyce but didn't want someone to stop reading because you dislike her (like you didn't know if you know me!), ended with these thoughts:
Do you worry or worship? If you ever are worried about something, face plant and tell God all about it.
Stare at Jesus, glance at your problems, not the other way around.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Mashed Potatoes Just Don't Get the Same Respect
I was listening to a co-worker today talk about the Thanksgiving dinner she was going to prepare for her family. My other co-worker said, “oh! You’re going to make sweet potatoes with brown sugar and cloves?! My dad used to make it that way, too. You guys are making me sad…I miss him.” Just like that, my thoughts went to some of the people in my life who are gone now. I thought of grandpa missed him so much I ached. I’m not sure when my co-worker’s father passed away and I’m sure she misses him all year long. It’s something about these holidays that makes the absence felt even more. I thought of grandpa’s deep voice praying and how he sat at the head of the table, how he fell asleep in church or his Lazy-Boy. I thought of him teasing me about not liking venison and singing “Holly Loki is the girl for me.” I thought about the other family members who have died and how special they made holidays for me, for all of us. I even started missing my parents, knowing time is so preciously ticking away. For a few moments, I was sad.
My thoughts went from longing for the past to my niece and nephew. This is their past right now. The people who make the holidays so special for them are living now. The traditions they will remember, the memories they will carry with them, the ones they will pass on…it’s all happening right now. Someday, they will stop short and ache for someone who has died but right now, this is their childhood and I’m glad to help build on it. Our time spent with family is so important which is why Joey and I are somehow going to fit three Thanksgiving dinners into tomorrow. Why complain, though? I have no right to complain about being too full…only thank-full. Ha! I’m so funny.
Monday, November 20, 2006
You know you've thrown up too much when your stomach muscles feel like they just did 100 situps.
Friday
7:00 p.m.
Went to Silver Bells in the city with Dana and Noriko. Saw the tree lit up all pretty in front of the capital. Saw the fireworks. Wasn't sure if I should sing our National Anthem or Silent Night. I was feeling fine, though. Little did I know....
8:00 p.m.
Dinner at the Awesomes. Baked Ziti, garlic bread and broccoli. Yum. Lots of wine. Maybe too much? Well, I knew I was slightly past my limit when I stopped. I usually have a two drink max but every time my glass was half full, someone kept filling me up. Still, my fault for not keeping track. Then, I had to whip out the Pumpkin Beer before I left just to try it.
11:00 p.m.
After hanging out at Joey's parents' for awhile, I sucked down a water and went to my mom's. I was feeling fine.
Saturday
3:00 a.m.
Am I...feeling ill?
4:30 a.m.
Am I...getting feverish?
5:10 a.m.
Am I...going to throw up?!?!
I ran to the bathroom. Jenny is a great cook but that stuff never digested. Let me tell you...so flippin gross. I was in disbelief. The last time I had been throw up sick was...I don't even remember. There's another feeling when you are throwing up at 5:00 in the morning. I felt like I was the only person alive. Relief flooded over me when I heard my step-dad knock on the door to see if I was okay. Yes. I had help.
6:00 a.m.
After getting sick again and feeling like my throat was going to burn up, I text messaged Joey. What an awesome guy. He was there by 6:30ish, just in time to see me throw up for the 4th and last time. I don't know about you but when I'm getting sick, my body is so uncomfortably warm. When someone touches me, even to rub my back, it feels like all of their body heat transfers to me. That last time was almost the worst. I felt like I was never going to get better and I was running out of "stuff" to give to the porcelin god. I cried out to my God apologizing for drinking too much. Joey laughed and said, "sweetie, this is the flu." Yeah, it was. The achyness, the fever, the barfing...it just wouldn't quit. The worst part was that I was supposed to run 6 miles to raise money for the church. Up until the last time I threw up, I was still going to do it. I realized I was just too sick to run.
8:00 a.m.
Joey left to meet the other runners at Riverview. While he was gone, I finally went back to bed and slept. I heard him come back to the house and he and my mom were talking softly outside of my bedroom door. I heard my mom say, "she's been sleeping since you left." Joey said, "good. She needs the rest. Everyone said they would run when she could run." I felt happy. Sick but happy because people care about me even when I'm gross and fluy. My mom left for work and Joey slept on the couch.
I got up and watched the State game and then the Ohio State game. I got a lot of rest but my fever kept bouncing all over the place. I wondered what it felt like to be normal. It was like I forgot! The next day, I went to church and still couldn't eat much. I'm still kind of weak and tired but it feels good to feel good. Get your flu shot.
Friday
7:00 p.m.
Went to Silver Bells in the city with Dana and Noriko. Saw the tree lit up all pretty in front of the capital. Saw the fireworks. Wasn't sure if I should sing our National Anthem or Silent Night. I was feeling fine, though. Little did I know....
8:00 p.m.
Dinner at the Awesomes. Baked Ziti, garlic bread and broccoli. Yum. Lots of wine. Maybe too much? Well, I knew I was slightly past my limit when I stopped. I usually have a two drink max but every time my glass was half full, someone kept filling me up. Still, my fault for not keeping track. Then, I had to whip out the Pumpkin Beer before I left just to try it.
11:00 p.m.
After hanging out at Joey's parents' for awhile, I sucked down a water and went to my mom's. I was feeling fine.
Saturday
3:00 a.m.
Am I...feeling ill?
4:30 a.m.
Am I...getting feverish?
5:10 a.m.
Am I...going to throw up?!?!
I ran to the bathroom. Jenny is a great cook but that stuff never digested. Let me tell you...so flippin gross. I was in disbelief. The last time I had been throw up sick was...I don't even remember. There's another feeling when you are throwing up at 5:00 in the morning. I felt like I was the only person alive. Relief flooded over me when I heard my step-dad knock on the door to see if I was okay. Yes. I had help.
6:00 a.m.
After getting sick again and feeling like my throat was going to burn up, I text messaged Joey. What an awesome guy. He was there by 6:30ish, just in time to see me throw up for the 4th and last time. I don't know about you but when I'm getting sick, my body is so uncomfortably warm. When someone touches me, even to rub my back, it feels like all of their body heat transfers to me. That last time was almost the worst. I felt like I was never going to get better and I was running out of "stuff" to give to the porcelin god. I cried out to my God apologizing for drinking too much. Joey laughed and said, "sweetie, this is the flu." Yeah, it was. The achyness, the fever, the barfing...it just wouldn't quit. The worst part was that I was supposed to run 6 miles to raise money for the church. Up until the last time I threw up, I was still going to do it. I realized I was just too sick to run.
8:00 a.m.
Joey left to meet the other runners at Riverview. While he was gone, I finally went back to bed and slept. I heard him come back to the house and he and my mom were talking softly outside of my bedroom door. I heard my mom say, "she's been sleeping since you left." Joey said, "good. She needs the rest. Everyone said they would run when she could run." I felt happy. Sick but happy because people care about me even when I'm gross and fluy. My mom left for work and Joey slept on the couch.
I got up and watched the State game and then the Ohio State game. I got a lot of rest but my fever kept bouncing all over the place. I wondered what it felt like to be normal. It was like I forgot! The next day, I went to church and still couldn't eat much. I'm still kind of weak and tired but it feels good to feel good. Get your flu shot.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Defending my Spartanaity
I hear it all the time, especially working in the Detroit area: why would you ever be a Michigan State Spartan? I suppose after countless losing/average seasons, it would be a question in the minds of many so I thought I would attempt to explain…or defend. No, I didn’t pick MSU because the colors are so much better (and look great on me). No, I didn’t pick MSU because our mascot kicks butt (and he’s cute). No, I didn’t pick MSU because of their award winning marching band (I even heard a Wolverine fan say this last Saturday: you guys have the best band in the country). I guess I didn’t really pick MSU. It’s just always been there.
The story could start in an obvious place: I was born and raised in the East Lansing, MI area. It makes sense geographically for me to be a Spartan. It all goes a little deeper than that, however. My grandfather graduated from MSC, Michigan State College, during WWII. He was from a little town south of Jackson called Cement City. He used to hitchhike back and forth. I loved his stories of the campus as it was built up. My father graduated from MSU in the 70s. I have history at MSU. My dad started taking me to football games when I was four. The highlight back then was getting carmel corn and Zeike the Wonderdog.
This is the MSU vs. Indiana Game in 1987 when I was 11-years-old and in 6th grade. I remember several things from this game. The first was that it was my first night game. Second, my dad told me how important it was for MSU to win this game. He said, "if we win, Holly, we go to the Rose Bowl!" Before we left for the game, my step-mom gave me a rose. "If we win this game, you can go down and throw this rose onto the field." I was so pumped! When we got to Spartan stadium, the place was so packed, you could barely move. When State won the game, my step-mom told me to go throw the rose onto the field. In those days (see how old I am!!) you could go all the way down to the field. Eventually, they ripped out the lower seats to create a wall. Anyhow, as I approaced the field, I looked to my left and a mob was rushing toward me. As I threw the rose, my step-mom grabbed my arm and pulled me back up to safety. Then, she took this picture. It was truly one of the most exciting moments I've ever seen at Spartan Stadium. You can even see one of the Indiana football players caught in the mob. I remember they ripped the goal posts down, too.
Pops and I tailgating. I was in college by this point. I don't have a picture of this event but my dad LOVES to tell this story. It was Nick Sabin's first game as the head coach. I had been partying the night before at CMU and didn't make it to my dad's tailgating spot in time to get my ticket for the game. No cell phones back then. I knew I was screwed. I was going to miss the new coach's first game! Ah! The disappointment! I started crying as I approached the gate. I explained my story to the ticket dude who sent security over. I thought they were going to hall me off. Instead, the security dude told me to follow him to my dad's seat. I promised him I would go up to my dad, get my ticket and come give it back to them as proof I really did have a ticket. The guy was so tired of me by the time we got to the stairs leading to my dad's section that he just let me go. When my dad saw me coming up the stairs to his seats, he was amazed. "How did you get in? You didn't have a ticket...and I sold yours!" "I guess I...cried my way in, dad."
The story could start in an obvious place: I was born and raised in the East Lansing, MI area. It makes sense geographically for me to be a Spartan. It all goes a little deeper than that, however. My grandfather graduated from MSC, Michigan State College, during WWII. He was from a little town south of Jackson called Cement City. He used to hitchhike back and forth. I loved his stories of the campus as it was built up. My father graduated from MSU in the 70s. I have history at MSU. My dad started taking me to football games when I was four. The highlight back then was getting carmel corn and Zeike the Wonderdog.
This is a picture of me at a football game when I was four. Before the wall was put up near the field, you could go right down to the field. I'm wearing green corduory bibs from the Army store. 
We have always tailgated in the same general area near the Red Cedar. This is my sister and my dad's best friends. I'm to the far right.
1987 was an awesome year to be a Spartan. Finally, the underdogs were on top. I was in 6th grade and 11-years-old. We went to all of the home games. My dad would pick the tickets up from George Perles' secretary, Mary Ann, at the Duffy Dougherty building on Fridays. I would go to see if I could scope out any players. 
My favorite Spartan of all time was Andre Rison. I never got my picture taken with him, though. He was one of the stars of the 1988 Rose Bowl game and I had every picture there was of him hanging on my wall. When I was in 7th grade, Andre was pulled over for drinking and driving in Eaton County, the county I lived in. I’ll never forget…my dad picked up Chad, Darrick and I from Charlotte Jr. High School. We were coming home from camp so we had a lot of stuff. My dad broke the news to me gently and I was pretty quiet. I went home and wrote a letter to Andre explaining my disappointment. A few weeks before Christmas, my step-mom and dad handed me a small box, explaining it was an early gift. Inside was a framed picture like the one above…except Andre had signed it! Even better, there was a note included. See, in my letter to Andre, I told him he could come clean my room for his community service. Andre must have thought that was funny because he wrote, “I would love to clean your room but I must work on my own first!” I cried I was so happy. Andre went on to become the 22nd draft to the Colts and later was traded to the Falcons. I lost track after him then. His life got a little too crazy for me. Now that I think about it, he was just a college kid. Back then, he was a hero in my eyes.
This is the MSU vs. Indiana Game in 1987 when I was 11-years-old and in 6th grade. I remember several things from this game. The first was that it was my first night game. Second, my dad told me how important it was for MSU to win this game. He said, "if we win, Holly, we go to the Rose Bowl!" Before we left for the game, my step-mom gave me a rose. "If we win this game, you can go down and throw this rose onto the field." I was so pumped! When we got to Spartan stadium, the place was so packed, you could barely move. When State won the game, my step-mom told me to go throw the rose onto the field. In those days (see how old I am!!) you could go all the way down to the field. Eventually, they ripped out the lower seats to create a wall. Anyhow, as I approaced the field, I looked to my left and a mob was rushing toward me. As I threw the rose, my step-mom grabbed my arm and pulled me back up to safety. Then, she took this picture. It was truly one of the most exciting moments I've ever seen at Spartan Stadium. You can even see one of the Indiana football players caught in the mob. I remember they ripped the goal posts down, too.
Bob Kula--Offensive Lineman. It wasn't that I had a crush on him, it was just that he was a hero to me. It's funny looking at college football players now. I'm way older than they are. But then, they were celebrities to me. I had sat next to Bob at a basketball game. I had a 1987 football program and I was drawing hearts and stars around the players pictures I liked. Well, I liked Bob Kula. He was a Rose Bowl star. This picture was taken at Media Day 1988 and my dad had just told Bob the story about me sitting next to him drawing hearts and stars around his picture. He thought it was funny. I thought it was embarressing. You can see my dad laughing in the background.
This is a picture from the same Media Day. Fawn, me and Hyland Hickson (I think that is Emily Youatt next to Fawn but I can't be sure). Hyland Hickson was one of our awesome running backs after Lorenzo White was drafted by the Houston Oilers. My dad will never forget when Hyland fumbled the ball against Illinos and State lost. He still gripes about that loss. Sadly, Hyland died from stomach cancer in 1996. The only article I could find on the net mentions they aren't sure how he died either. They also mention the infamous fumble by Hyland, too. Poor guy.
Eddie Brown. A pat on the back to anyone who knows what Eddie Brown is infamous for doing.
George Perles and my nephew, Bradley.
Jim Miller. What a nice guy. I had such a crush on him for years. Funny story about this picture. Jim was sitting in the stands with his parents (Media Day 1990) and his back was facing me. My step-mom went up a few rows in the bleachers to get a picture of his face. She told me to lean forward (behind him) and pretend to kiss his cheek. The picture would make it look like I really was kissing his cheek. I was horrified and just stood there. And then he turned around and asked me what I was doing. I had no answer. This was the picture taken right after that embarressing situation.
I remember this hat. When you pushed on the bill, it played the fight song.
Playing catch on the banks of the Red Cedar when I was in 11th grade. My brother-in-law is behind me and has just thrown the ball.
Pops and I tailgating. I was in college by this point. I don't have a picture of this event but my dad LOVES to tell this story. It was Nick Sabin's first game as the head coach. I had been partying the night before at CMU and didn't make it to my dad's tailgating spot in time to get my ticket for the game. No cell phones back then. I knew I was screwed. I was going to miss the new coach's first game! Ah! The disappointment! I started crying as I approached the gate. I explained my story to the ticket dude who sent security over. I thought they were going to hall me off. Instead, the security dude told me to follow him to my dad's seat. I promised him I would go up to my dad, get my ticket and come give it back to them as proof I really did have a ticket. The guy was so tired of me by the time we got to the stairs leading to my dad's section that he just let me go. When my dad saw me coming up the stairs to his seats, he was amazed. "How did you get in? You didn't have a ticket...and I sold yours!" "I guess I...cried my way in, dad."
My step-mom and I in 2003.
There you have it. A story told with photos (and words, of course). I could have posted so much more and maybe I will someday. Hopefully, this gives some insight into the "whys." "Why would you support a team that disappoints year after year?" "Why not be a Wolverine?" Well, because. After all, these are college kids. They are still growing and making plenty of mistakes...just like I did. Just like I do. Plus, I've always had a thing for the underdog. Want to talk about me being a Cubbie's fan next?
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Yet Another Weekend
This past weekend was fun and interesting and frustrating. Friday, we went out for Yi’s birthday to Applebee’s. It was a Germany reunion where we sat there from 7:30 to 10 talking and laughing. I love nights like that.
Saturday, Joey and I went to our Leading Kids To Christ class. Mike and Missie Potter taught it. They brought their foster baby into the room and Joey immediately latched on to the kid. It was cute. After the class, we met up with my dad at Dagwoods. He bought me a beer and then yelled at me for it:
Dad: Holly, do I have to do everything for you?
Holly: What do you mean?
D: You left your beer over here. Now, take it and don’t leave it around.
H: Geez. Sorry.
My dad talked Joey and I into going to the State-Purdue game. We missed the band, though which really bummed me out. I got shin splints running to catch up with the band. Still missed them. We tailgated with some of my dad’s buddies just outside the stadium and then tried to get in. Oops. I forgot about my purse being too big. They wouldn’t let us in. I wasn’t broken hearted or anything but Joey put the purse inside his coat and we tried another entrance. Bingo.
We stayed until half time and then went to the Hobby Lobby. Whoa. That store is cool! We kept walking around saying, “oh, look! This is so cool!” Joey said the following at one point:
J: Know what’s cool?
H: What?!
J: Me.
We went to the mall afterward and ran into my niece, sister and bro-in-law. We left the mall and headed to my mom’s house where we ate dinner. We were going to g
o to a movie but lucky for us, the Lilly’s called and invited us to bowling. So much fun!!! It was a quick game but we were laughing and messing with each other. Aaron couldn’t break the 9s. Di is the funniest bowler I’ve ever seen. I hope she allows me to post the video (please, Di?).
After bowling, we went back to Mike and Diana’s to hang out. By midnight or so, we were exhausted so it was beddy bye time.
Sunday was interesting. After church, Yi, Jennwy, Peter, Joey and I took a road trip to Turkeyville. Not exa
ctly what I expected but still was fun being with the group. I think I wanted it to be more like Frankenmuth. But…guess who was there?!?! Jesus! Jenny and Yi got their picture taken with him. He looked really sad, though. After Turkeyville, we visited my elementary school in Olivet. It brought back so many memories. They still have the same playground equipment! We decided to stop by the Country Mill in Potterville but we were all a little turkeyed out to care. 
Arriving back at Joey’s, we only had an hour and a half before the Riverview Own It meeting. The boys took off downstairs to play video games. Yi, Jenny and I went and sat in the hot tub.
And now...it's time for another weekend :o) 
Monday, November 06, 2006
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Canine Cruise 2006
Sunday, we took Titan to the Canine Cruise. He didn't win the costume contest so we decided to take his costume off and take it the car before the 5k walk. We got to the car and found ourselves driving away. No 5k walkie for us. It was cold!
Happy Halloween!
A look back on costumes past. I was a bunny for several years until I really couldn't fit in the pink footed pjs anymore (I think my mom even cut the feet off the pjs to satisfy my need to be a bunny for Halloween). I remember her trying to change my mind for a couple years but I insisted on being a bunny. 
I think I wanted to be a bunny this year but my mom had enough and put my step-sis and I in these costumes. You can see how happy I am.
Who knows what I was this year? If you know, you are a true child of the 80s.
One of my favorite Halloweens. I spent it with my dad and Christine. When we got back from Trick or Treating all of my parents's friends were there and we had a party.
More Halloween Pictures
Joey and I with Babbie at his Halloween party. It was awesome hanging out with my college and 20-something peeps.
Becky and Ryan
Russ
Pictures from this Summer
Joey, me, my nephew and niece on our way to Cedar Point after spending two days at my aunt and uncles. See the trunk? I can't even remember why this picture was so funny. I think I started working on a blog about the whole trip but you know how that goes...
Hemi did NOT like the car ride. Chessie was more comfortable with it (as you can see her in the driver's seat).
Hemi hiding because he doesn't want to move out of the house. It was difficult getting him out of here.
This is my cousin Travis' dog, Bailey. Bailey was born without a leg. Instead, he has a little wing. The awesome thing is that God made this dog for my cousin. As you can see from the picture below, my cousin is different, too. There are no disabilities...just challenges, depending on how you look at it. Bailey hangs out on Travis' wheelchair all day.
My cousin Travis and Bailey.
Diana and I had to show the boys we could move furniture, too. We're tough.
Titan and Cain got into the Christmas decorations while we were packing. They were totally busted when I took this picture (thus the deer in the headlights look).
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Perhaps God Will Help
"Gull lake, huh?"
"Yeah, Gull Lake."
"When did they move out there?"
"A couple days ago."
We went back to the car and I sighed. I just had to find her. I hadn't spoken to her in a few weeks and I needed to know she was okay. Joey and I went to his parent's furniture store around the corner. After talking with potential customers, we headed back to Lansing.
But I forgot my purse.
So we had to turn around.
And this time when we were leaving the store, I had such a strong feeling tell me to go the other way, away from Lansing, I couldn't deny it.
"Can we go to the old house? Maybe they are still moving things out."
Joey wasn't convinced. We chugged down the road toward the previous home but Joey hesitated with every driveway we passed.
"Do you know where Gull Lake is?" I asked. No. I pulled out a map and found it but wasn't so sure of myself. That was when the road sign pointing toward Gull Lake showed up. We came to the stop sign. Left or right? Left...or right?
This past week I learned some valuable lessons. One of these lessons was about fear. Sometimes fear is a good thing which prevents us tragic pain. Other times, fear is needless and is a way to stop us from doing something God wants us to do. The anticipation of doing something we fear is often more painful than actually doing what we feared. Like having a surgery. You worry and fret about the surgery, wasting all sorts of time and allowing the fear to steal your joy. Surgery takes a couple hours or something and then you are in recovery. Why waste all of the time fearing the event when it's over so soon? Sometimes, we have to do things in fear if we are ever going to get over the fear. It is about faith that God will take care of it.
"I have to find her," I said. Joey turned right. We drove way out into the country and then came to a lake. I had never been to this lake before but Joey had. We turned left and began our search. My heart wasn't really racing. I wasn't scared at all. I knew I was walking in faith. I was searching in faith and I just knew we were going to find her. After passing several houses, Joey said something that half of me was thinking: she could be anywhere. But I cast the doubt down in my heart and said this to Joey: if God wants us to find her, we'll find her. I have faith and I just can't give up.
Joey turned down another little road as we kept looking for the vehicle. We saw several mini vans, same color as hers but no...not quite. Then, we passed a house which was tucked away a bit off the main road. A mini van was there...same color...same make. We passed it with our hearts fluttering. Joey turned around to double check. Yes, this was the vehichle we were looking for. A sticker on the car gave it away. We were floored. God of the impossible had made the impossible possible once again.
We didn't march right up to the house. Instead, we went to a parking lot just up the road and pulled to pray. As I began praying, the clouds parted and the sun just burst out of the cold sky, warming us. No lie. It was such a God moment. We prayed for direction, peace and for Him to use us how He wanted to. Then, we went to the house.
Yes, it was her house. I was so happy, I almost wanted to cry. I saw her there and knew she was okay. She had lost her cell phone which was why she couldn't call. She had been e-mailing me but had been too busy to tell me about the new house. Really, none of it mattered. I was just happy to let her know I'm still here. We are still here. All of us: Joey, me and God.
Walking in faith is not the easiest. I back down quite a bit but I'm learning the lessons. In church tonight, Noel talked about faith being nonsense. It wasn't a realistic thing becuase if you try to be logical, you aren't being faithful. Faith isn't logic...it is unseen. It is a non-sense. It is trusting the Lord when everything in you tells you to go the other way.
As Joey and I drove home, he smiled. "Wow. What a God moment. You have to blog about this." So...I am. This blog will be here to remind me and perhaps I'll read it the next time I DON'T want to step out in faith.
"Yeah, Gull Lake."
"When did they move out there?"
"A couple days ago."
We went back to the car and I sighed. I just had to find her. I hadn't spoken to her in a few weeks and I needed to know she was okay. Joey and I went to his parent's furniture store around the corner. After talking with potential customers, we headed back to Lansing.
But I forgot my purse.
So we had to turn around.
And this time when we were leaving the store, I had such a strong feeling tell me to go the other way, away from Lansing, I couldn't deny it.
"Can we go to the old house? Maybe they are still moving things out."
Joey wasn't convinced. We chugged down the road toward the previous home but Joey hesitated with every driveway we passed.
"Do you know where Gull Lake is?" I asked. No. I pulled out a map and found it but wasn't so sure of myself. That was when the road sign pointing toward Gull Lake showed up. We came to the stop sign. Left or right? Left...or right?
This past week I learned some valuable lessons. One of these lessons was about fear. Sometimes fear is a good thing which prevents us tragic pain. Other times, fear is needless and is a way to stop us from doing something God wants us to do. The anticipation of doing something we fear is often more painful than actually doing what we feared. Like having a surgery. You worry and fret about the surgery, wasting all sorts of time and allowing the fear to steal your joy. Surgery takes a couple hours or something and then you are in recovery. Why waste all of the time fearing the event when it's over so soon? Sometimes, we have to do things in fear if we are ever going to get over the fear. It is about faith that God will take care of it.
"I have to find her," I said. Joey turned right. We drove way out into the country and then came to a lake. I had never been to this lake before but Joey had. We turned left and began our search. My heart wasn't really racing. I wasn't scared at all. I knew I was walking in faith. I was searching in faith and I just knew we were going to find her. After passing several houses, Joey said something that half of me was thinking: she could be anywhere. But I cast the doubt down in my heart and said this to Joey: if God wants us to find her, we'll find her. I have faith and I just can't give up.
Joey turned down another little road as we kept looking for the vehicle. We saw several mini vans, same color as hers but no...not quite. Then, we passed a house which was tucked away a bit off the main road. A mini van was there...same color...same make. We passed it with our hearts fluttering. Joey turned around to double check. Yes, this was the vehichle we were looking for. A sticker on the car gave it away. We were floored. God of the impossible had made the impossible possible once again.
We didn't march right up to the house. Instead, we went to a parking lot just up the road and pulled to pray. As I began praying, the clouds parted and the sun just burst out of the cold sky, warming us. No lie. It was such a God moment. We prayed for direction, peace and for Him to use us how He wanted to. Then, we went to the house.
Yes, it was her house. I was so happy, I almost wanted to cry. I saw her there and knew she was okay. She had lost her cell phone which was why she couldn't call. She had been e-mailing me but had been too busy to tell me about the new house. Really, none of it mattered. I was just happy to let her know I'm still here. We are still here. All of us: Joey, me and God.
Walking in faith is not the easiest. I back down quite a bit but I'm learning the lessons. In church tonight, Noel talked about faith being nonsense. It wasn't a realistic thing becuase if you try to be logical, you aren't being faithful. Faith isn't logic...it is unseen. It is a non-sense. It is trusting the Lord when everything in you tells you to go the other way.
As Joey and I drove home, he smiled. "Wow. What a God moment. You have to blog about this." So...I am. This blog will be here to remind me and perhaps I'll read it the next time I DON'T want to step out in faith.
Where else can you hear the following lyrics after singing about looking Jesus full in His wonderful face?
Take my hand
take my whole life, too
For I can't help
Falling in love with you...
And you give yourself away
And you give yourself away
And you give
And you give
And you give yourself away....
That's right. One song at my church. Flippin cool.
Take my hand
take my whole life, too
For I can't help
Falling in love with you...
And you give yourself away
And you give yourself away
And you give
And you give
And you give yourself away....
That's right. One song at my church. Flippin cool.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)