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
Sunday, July 29, 2007
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:
Friday, May 25, 2007
Honeycombs
Two weeks ago, I was minding my own business, driving home from work when the DJ on the radio suddenly mentioned Honeycomb cereal. I suddenly had a craving I couldn't get rid of. I drove straight to the store and purchased a large box. That was on a Monday. By Friday, they were gone. All me.
I knew I couldn't get through the weekend without them so Joey and I went to Kroger last Friday and I purchased another big box. I took my first bite and....yuck. They were gross...stale. Sunday, we returned them to the store and I tool a chance on another box. We had a winner.
The side-story to this is that my step-dad does the grocery shopping. He always buys whatever my mom and I desire. So, I mentioned my new Honeycomb addiction. Dean went to the store Wednesday and bought some. This morning, he decided he would have a bowl. My mom approached him as he exclaimed, "well...would you look at this! They sold me a box of cereal that's already been opened...AND it look at the sticker on it!" My mom read the sticker: Customer Return...Not for Resale...Scan out as Known Loss." They both stood there for a moment when my mom suddenly started laughing. "Where did you buy these from, Dean?" "Kroger."
Yes, this is the box of Honeycombs that wouldn't go away. It is the exact same box I returned to Kroger on Sunday and here they are, back at home. But they will be going back to Kroger again and I'm going to watch the employee throw them out. It's crazy. I mean, I realize Holt is a small town but is it really that small?
I knew I couldn't get through the weekend without them so Joey and I went to Kroger last Friday and I purchased another big box. I took my first bite and....yuck. They were gross...stale. Sunday, we returned them to the store and I tool a chance on another box. We had a winner.
The side-story to this is that my step-dad does the grocery shopping. He always buys whatever my mom and I desire. So, I mentioned my new Honeycomb addiction. Dean went to the store Wednesday and bought some. This morning, he decided he would have a bowl. My mom approached him as he exclaimed, "well...would you look at this! They sold me a box of cereal that's already been opened...AND it look at the sticker on it!" My mom read the sticker: Customer Return...Not for Resale...Scan out as Known Loss." They both stood there for a moment when my mom suddenly started laughing. "Where did you buy these from, Dean?" "Kroger."
Yes, this is the box of Honeycombs that wouldn't go away. It is the exact same box I returned to Kroger on Sunday and here they are, back at home. But they will be going back to Kroger again and I'm going to watch the employee throw them out. It's crazy. I mean, I realize Holt is a small town but is it really that small?
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Another one passes on
Dan says I write about death a lot. Not that I do it in an unhealthy way, according to him. I wonder why I do. I know it's because it keeps happening in my life. It started when I was 12 and will continue until I pass on.
I almost didn't write this entry because I don't want people to think I'm obsessed with death or things related to death. Then I realized Dan wasn't putting me down. It's just a part of me, a part of all of us. That's the deal, right? You get to be born and you get to die. Well, except for me. I won't die.
My step-father's mother passed away Monday around 2:30ish. My sister and I were having a conversation about her and how morbid everyone was being about the situation. We thought people were giving up on her and she needed something more. As we were talking, the Lord took his daughter home. I found out about 10 minutes later. Incredible sadness came over me but I was also stunned.
Grandma (Mary) Cook was such a spitfire. She was sharp and witty; a short woman devoted to her Catholic faith. She modeled as a young lady and went on to marry, have three children and then divorce. She lived near St. Lawrence hospital with Miss Kitty and loved her garden. She was a part of the red hat society which kept her busy. She did my mom's taxes. She e-mailed.
Grandma Cook did something remarkable for me two years ago. She found out about the mission trip to Koln and paid the last $200 we needed to go. Of course, now I'm kicking myself because I never got around to showing her the pictures or telling her any of the stories. I also could have visited more...regrets do hurt.
Joey and I went to visit her about a month ago. She was staying in the St. John's nursing home. This is a place people get parked to pretty much die. We found her curled up, half asleep on her bed. Waking up, she was pleased to see us there. We visited awhile and talked about heaven. She said that after she was done with purgatory, then the blessed mother would great her and take her to Jesus. Joey and I just smiled. She didn't seem to scared to die but she made it known she wasn't ready to give up. I'm just not sure what happened...
Today was sad. I'm truly feeling the extinction of a generation. I know this is how Mary felt watching her grandparents and parents die. And I know the death is not permanent but it still feels a little more lonely in this world. As I gain years, the time is running out. Gain and loss. It will be so painful to watch the old ones die as the new ones are born. One generation fades as another burns brightly. Sometimes, it doesn't make any sense to me. At the most, I have faith in a God that conquered death and I just don't see how anyone could get through it without Jesus...um...cuz you can't.
I almost didn't write this entry because I don't want people to think I'm obsessed with death or things related to death. Then I realized Dan wasn't putting me down. It's just a part of me, a part of all of us. That's the deal, right? You get to be born and you get to die. Well, except for me. I won't die.
My step-father's mother passed away Monday around 2:30ish. My sister and I were having a conversation about her and how morbid everyone was being about the situation. We thought people were giving up on her and she needed something more. As we were talking, the Lord took his daughter home. I found out about 10 minutes later. Incredible sadness came over me but I was also stunned.
Grandma (Mary) Cook was such a spitfire. She was sharp and witty; a short woman devoted to her Catholic faith. She modeled as a young lady and went on to marry, have three children and then divorce. She lived near St. Lawrence hospital with Miss Kitty and loved her garden. She was a part of the red hat society which kept her busy. She did my mom's taxes. She e-mailed.
Grandma Cook did something remarkable for me two years ago. She found out about the mission trip to Koln and paid the last $200 we needed to go. Of course, now I'm kicking myself because I never got around to showing her the pictures or telling her any of the stories. I also could have visited more...regrets do hurt.
Joey and I went to visit her about a month ago. She was staying in the St. John's nursing home. This is a place people get parked to pretty much die. We found her curled up, half asleep on her bed. Waking up, she was pleased to see us there. We visited awhile and talked about heaven. She said that after she was done with purgatory, then the blessed mother would great her and take her to Jesus. Joey and I just smiled. She didn't seem to scared to die but she made it known she wasn't ready to give up. I'm just not sure what happened...
Today was sad. I'm truly feeling the extinction of a generation. I know this is how Mary felt watching her grandparents and parents die. And I know the death is not permanent but it still feels a little more lonely in this world. As I gain years, the time is running out. Gain and loss. It will be so painful to watch the old ones die as the new ones are born. One generation fades as another burns brightly. Sometimes, it doesn't make any sense to me. At the most, I have faith in a God that conquered death and I just don't see how anyone could get through it without Jesus...um...cuz you can't.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
"If you can't obey God, how can you resist the devil?" JM
Joey and I weren't going to make a big deal about it but we decided to quit drinking for a little while. It just seemed like so many of our Christian friends were taking advantage of their freedom to drink. We wanted to swing back the other way by showing its okay not to drink as a Christian, too. It was kind of funny but the only place this became difficult was at a "Christian" party. So anyway, that's our story and why we've declined your drink offers. Though, we appreciate the understanding that comes along with it, too.
I can't wait for a chocolate martini.
Joey and I weren't going to make a big deal about it but we decided to quit drinking for a little while. It just seemed like so many of our Christian friends were taking advantage of their freedom to drink. We wanted to swing back the other way by showing its okay not to drink as a Christian, too. It was kind of funny but the only place this became difficult was at a "Christian" party. So anyway, that's our story and why we've declined your drink offers. Though, we appreciate the understanding that comes along with it, too.
I can't wait for a chocolate martini.
So, this is the guy I'm going to marry...
Joey and I went to see Spider man 3 last Sunday. The lights dimmed and from the corner of my eye, I saw Joey point his wrist toward the movie screen. Was he...pretending to be Spidey? I turned my head for a better look. Sure enough, his fingers were pointed and his wrist was up Spidey style. He didn't see me see him...at first. But I couldn't control my laughter. How flippin cute is that? Crazy cute is what it is....
Yesterday, Joey's sister, Joey and I were at the parent's house. Joey wanted to go saleing--garage saleing. So, the three of us set out. Over the course of several houses, Joey managed to get a free coffee maker and free HD antena thingy. Bekkie, Joey's sister, said, "who is this guy?! People just give him stuff." Yeah, it's like that a lot of times when you roll with JC. People just love him and they aren't sure why.
Yesterday, Joey's sister, Joey and I were at the parent's house. Joey wanted to go saleing--garage saleing. So, the three of us set out. Over the course of several houses, Joey managed to get a free coffee maker and free HD antena thingy. Bekkie, Joey's sister, said, "who is this guy?! People just give him stuff." Yeah, it's like that a lot of times when you roll with JC. People just love him and they aren't sure why.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
I'm going to be on the radio tonight from 7pm to 9pm. No one in Lansing can listen but I guess you can listen online at www.wpon.com. I'll be talking about the movie American Graffiti and interviewing Paul Le Mat who played John Milner in the movie. I'm finally using my college degree :o0
That storm last night was pretty crazy. I was reading next to my window and the light was fading. A hot breeze was floating into the room and it suddenly took a sharp, cold turn. As if God had blown a candle out, so went the lights in my condo. The wind picked up fiercely and then the rains came. Not a whole lot of lightening and thunder, though. I love Spring :o)
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Edges are scary places
As a runner, I know I have to be careful when the ground I'm running on changes. I don't especially like the shoulder but it is a little softer and easier on the body. Transitioning from the concrete to the shoulder can be tricky because you can easily fall off the edge. Do that and you might have a twisted ankle, knee or something else horrible.
Thoughts churn through my mind while running and the other day, the following popped in there:
I thought about some friends of mine who seem to be falling off their road. They are going too far into the land of temptation. Dare I say this but...I remember when I was caught in my sin cycle a couple of years ago. I would do the sin thinking, "I'll just repent right afterwards." Do Christians abuse their forgiveness? Do we sometimes take advantage of what Christ did for us? "I'll do this sin now because I'm already covered."
I'm pretty charged up about Christians acting like a bunch of asses right now (that statement might just make me a hypocrite). I prayed the other day for us as a whole. Yes, we need to be in the world but people need to see something different in us! Why do we continue to gossip? Why are we getting drunk? Doing drugs? Curse like it is part of our everyday language? Have sex? Stay up late acting like a fool? Cutting people off in traffic? Demanding our own way? How is any of this different than a pre-Christian??
They need to see a difference in us to ask us about it. We can screw up, I get that but why aren't some of us changing? The other day, I asked Joey if people hear the same messages I do at Riverview. A week later, he asked me the same question. It isn't that he and I are perfect but the Holy Spirit is so alive with us...it puts the brakes on or points out our sin soon afterward.
When you become a Christian, you shed your reputation and become a new creation...to God. But to everyone else, you are still the same person. Now, however, you are carrying Christ's reputation with you. After some time, people see that light and ask you about it. But you can't carry the reputation of Christ inside of you, go out and get drunk without feeling like something is wrong. The other day, I caught myself gossiping. I caught myself? No, the Holy Spirit pointed it out to me. I had to repent. The next time I want to gossip, I'll feel that stopping signal. I can ignore it or listen.
Are you feeling me out there? Am I being too harsh? Please understand I'm not ragging on people who have a problem. They know they do...I hope. But the ones who are falling off the road, or falling off the edge, they are walking too close to it and flirting with too much danger. I know because I've fallen, as we all have. I challenge all of us to truly listen to the Spirit instead of silencing it.
Thoughts churn through my mind while running and the other day, the following popped in there:
- I need to be careful when I move over for cars. I could fall off the pavement and get really hurt. It might take a long time to recover.
- Whoa. Life is like that, isn't it?
- The razor sharp line Noel talked about...this is like that, except I can't run on the line. I have to pick one or the other: the road or the shoulder. But that's the line. If I run too far into the road, I could be roadkill. If I run too far off the shoulder, the roadkill could eat me.
I thought about some friends of mine who seem to be falling off their road. They are going too far into the land of temptation. Dare I say this but...I remember when I was caught in my sin cycle a couple of years ago. I would do the sin thinking, "I'll just repent right afterwards." Do Christians abuse their forgiveness? Do we sometimes take advantage of what Christ did for us? "I'll do this sin now because I'm already covered."
I'm pretty charged up about Christians acting like a bunch of asses right now (that statement might just make me a hypocrite). I prayed the other day for us as a whole. Yes, we need to be in the world but people need to see something different in us! Why do we continue to gossip? Why are we getting drunk? Doing drugs? Curse like it is part of our everyday language? Have sex? Stay up late acting like a fool? Cutting people off in traffic? Demanding our own way? How is any of this different than a pre-Christian??
They need to see a difference in us to ask us about it. We can screw up, I get that but why aren't some of us changing? The other day, I asked Joey if people hear the same messages I do at Riverview. A week later, he asked me the same question. It isn't that he and I are perfect but the Holy Spirit is so alive with us...it puts the brakes on or points out our sin soon afterward.
When you become a Christian, you shed your reputation and become a new creation...to God. But to everyone else, you are still the same person. Now, however, you are carrying Christ's reputation with you. After some time, people see that light and ask you about it. But you can't carry the reputation of Christ inside of you, go out and get drunk without feeling like something is wrong. The other day, I caught myself gossiping. I caught myself? No, the Holy Spirit pointed it out to me. I had to repent. The next time I want to gossip, I'll feel that stopping signal. I can ignore it or listen.
Are you feeling me out there? Am I being too harsh? Please understand I'm not ragging on people who have a problem. They know they do...I hope. But the ones who are falling off the road, or falling off the edge, they are walking too close to it and flirting with too much danger. I know because I've fallen, as we all have. I challenge all of us to truly listen to the Spirit instead of silencing it.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Myers Family
This picture makes me want to have a good cry. I look at this family and almost forget what my friend Jason was like as a single guy. All of those wrong turns led to the right turn with Greta. And now, when I see how God has blessed them, it makes me want to cry...in a good way. They all look so meant to be, as they are.
So....uh...Greta, can you do a wedding on May 25, 2008? I LOVE your photography...and all of you. Can't wait to meet the babies.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
I hung up the phone and continued to dry my hair. "Damn," I thought as the news sank in more. As I rushed around the condo, my memory traveled to and event that happened years and years ago, but it changed my life completely.
The name of the street I grew up on was Five Point Hwy. The reason I lived there was because my mom and I were shacking up with her boyfriend, Lee. Lee had grown up in the house we lived in. His three best friends all lived within 5 miles of each other. There was Alan Shumaker and Allen Tirrell, the farmers and then Kevin Fullerton, the fire chief. They all played softball together and I remember spending a lot of time at their homes as a youngster. Allen and Alan were so close they ended up marrying Cindy and Sharon, sisters. Not their sisters...watch it.... They also divorced these sisters and remarried.
1988 was a rough year. My friend Kim had died in March (just for your reference, I knew Kim because Cindy married her Kim's father). I had also started going to Charlotte Jr. High, which I hated. The weather was bleak in November and I remember watching the snow fall from Cindy's living room window in Jackson. The phone rang and Karen, Kim's sister, answered. She came into the living room in shock.
"Allen Tirrell died."
I couldn't comprehend her words. "Allen Tirrell...as in Uncle Allen?" We had always called him that.
It was true. The second horrible part was that he died on Five Point Hwy...a mile from my house. Cindy told us to pack our stuff because she was taking us home early. The events of the day unfolded as we drove back to Charlotte.
We don't know why Allen was driving east on Five Point. It was early, early morning when he crashed. We also never found out why...but we knew where: the little country bridge, just before Brookfield Road. His truck hit the cement pillar of the little bridge. He flew forward into the windshield and his life was over.
Kevin, the other best friend of the group, arrived on the scene afterward. He was the first one. The way I remember it was that Kevin didn't realize it was Allen's truck. He didn't recognize his best friend slumped over the steering wheel. Being a firefighter, he called the authorities but the jaws of life had to be used to pull Allen out. When Kevin realized who the victim was...well, I was never told that part of the story.
The funeral was sad. Allen's wife, 2 year-old son and 1-year-old daughter were there. His whole family and all of his friends were there, too. Yeah, two devastating funerals in one year for all of them. Allen had helped carry Kim's casket.
The accident was crazy close to where I lived. If you can view this map, you'll see Brookfield Road and then to the left, the third house down on the right, was mine. We rode our bikes down there in the spring, finding pieces of broken glass, plastic, remnants from a horrible day. But it also changed my life directly. After the accident, Lee spent most of his free time in the bar, not coming home to us. My mom was finally tired of it all and that following summer, we left. It probably would have happened anyway, but his death was the catalyst.
I thought about all of this as I drove into work today. When I got to work, I didn't search the name Allen Tirrell. I searched the name Duane Tirrell and found this article on LSJ.com:
Charlotte man was devoted to land--Duane Tirrell died doing what he loved: farming
So, now Allen's brother is gone now, too. My prayers go to a family who has lost so much.
The name of the street I grew up on was Five Point Hwy. The reason I lived there was because my mom and I were shacking up with her boyfriend, Lee. Lee had grown up in the house we lived in. His three best friends all lived within 5 miles of each other. There was Alan Shumaker and Allen Tirrell, the farmers and then Kevin Fullerton, the fire chief. They all played softball together and I remember spending a lot of time at their homes as a youngster. Allen and Alan were so close they ended up marrying Cindy and Sharon, sisters. Not their sisters...watch it.... They also divorced these sisters and remarried.
1988 was a rough year. My friend Kim had died in March (just for your reference, I knew Kim because Cindy married her Kim's father). I had also started going to Charlotte Jr. High, which I hated. The weather was bleak in November and I remember watching the snow fall from Cindy's living room window in Jackson. The phone rang and Karen, Kim's sister, answered. She came into the living room in shock.
"Allen Tirrell died."
I couldn't comprehend her words. "Allen Tirrell...as in Uncle Allen?" We had always called him that.
It was true. The second horrible part was that he died on Five Point Hwy...a mile from my house. Cindy told us to pack our stuff because she was taking us home early. The events of the day unfolded as we drove back to Charlotte.
We don't know why Allen was driving east on Five Point. It was early, early morning when he crashed. We also never found out why...but we knew where: the little country bridge, just before Brookfield Road. His truck hit the cement pillar of the little bridge. He flew forward into the windshield and his life was over.
Kevin, the other best friend of the group, arrived on the scene afterward. He was the first one. The way I remember it was that Kevin didn't realize it was Allen's truck. He didn't recognize his best friend slumped over the steering wheel. Being a firefighter, he called the authorities but the jaws of life had to be used to pull Allen out. When Kevin realized who the victim was...well, I was never told that part of the story.
The funeral was sad. Allen's wife, 2 year-old son and 1-year-old daughter were there. His whole family and all of his friends were there, too. Yeah, two devastating funerals in one year for all of them. Allen had helped carry Kim's casket.
The accident was crazy close to where I lived. If you can view this map, you'll see Brookfield Road and then to the left, the third house down on the right, was mine. We rode our bikes down there in the spring, finding pieces of broken glass, plastic, remnants from a horrible day. But it also changed my life directly. After the accident, Lee spent most of his free time in the bar, not coming home to us. My mom was finally tired of it all and that following summer, we left. It probably would have happened anyway, but his death was the catalyst.
I thought about all of this as I drove into work today. When I got to work, I didn't search the name Allen Tirrell. I searched the name Duane Tirrell and found this article on LSJ.com:
Charlotte man was devoted to land--Duane Tirrell died doing what he loved: farming
So, now Allen's brother is gone now, too. My prayers go to a family who has lost so much.
If You Won't Change, I'll Change Everything Else
Months ago, the Lord told me to do something I didn’t want to do. Over and over the message came at me but I couldn’t do it and I still don’t want to. I do have free will, right? The problem is in my faith. Do I think God is going to leave me out in the cold? Do I not trust Him with my best interests?
A few years ago, God wanted me to make a change in my life. I fought it. So, God did something else. He changed everything on the outside. He moved me to a new area in the company. He moved all of my close friends away from me. He moved me physically to a new housing situation. I wouldn’t move…so He moved me. Finally, I said okay. It would have turned out better had I followed Him after saying okay to Him but I followed myself.
Last week, I realized God is doing this again. He is moving me physically because I won’t move spiritually. I’m going to be on a new team with a new supervisor in two weeks. I need to move into a new apartment in a few weeks, too. God is precise and direct. Will I finally say yes to Him?
Stars shine
Trees Grow and if I stay
Unchanged
I fear the rocks will cry out...
A few years ago, God wanted me to make a change in my life. I fought it. So, God did something else. He changed everything on the outside. He moved me to a new area in the company. He moved all of my close friends away from me. He moved me physically to a new housing situation. I wouldn’t move…so He moved me. Finally, I said okay. It would have turned out better had I followed Him after saying okay to Him but I followed myself.
Last week, I realized God is doing this again. He is moving me physically because I won’t move spiritually. I’m going to be on a new team with a new supervisor in two weeks. I need to move into a new apartment in a few weeks, too. God is precise and direct. Will I finally say yes to Him?
Stars shine
Trees Grow and if I stay
Unchanged
I fear the rocks will cry out...
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