I mentioned yesterday that my finances will be better than ever before in the months to follow. This is true! However, there is one major financial burden that I still carry! Tomorrow, I will begin to work on a resolution to this situation! It seems that the Christian life is five steps forward, four steps backward. I haven't quite figured it out other than to say this: every time I see progress, it is at the cost of a retrogression shortly thereafter. This can be discouraging. I have to admit that it's beneficial. I think of of the passage in James that says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." James 1:2-12
A good friend of mine once told me that he reached a point in life where he had to choose who he was going to be; how he would live. Would he be known as someone wisened by the world's standards or would he be known as Christ, spirit filled and wholly devoted? This friend chose the latter, praise the Lord. He often says that if he could learn to be the same in all settings, to be consistently "Christian", that he would've achieved some form of success in his lifetime. To be the same at home that you are at work or at church is, by definition, true consistency. I'm not sure that I'm quite there yet. I am choosing, all over, who I want to be "when I grow up". The thing is, we never are grown up. Not until we see Him face to face. We do, however, have the opportunity daily to "re-choose" who we are. I want to daily choose to rejoice in the face of trials; to glory in the cross ultimately.
I love verse 2, "Consider it pure joy...the testing of your faith works perseverance..." The act of choosing Christ IS WORTH IT. It truly is. I can now honestly say that I don't think I'd trade my circumstances for anything. I've learned more about my God through all of this. Why would I want to downgrade from that by trading in hardship? I will be of greater use having gone through difficult stages rather than living a life of ease, leading to ill content. I will be made "mature and COMPLETE" having learned not to "doubt" the power of my Savior to work in ALL THINGS. He is consistently ALL of His attributes, ALL OF THE TIME. Even on my bad days, He is still good. I can't grasp the concept of having Christ overlook my faults when I ask Him for wisdom... I think this can best be described as relief on my part. "The brother of humble circumstances ought to take pride in his HIGH position..." Wow...I am speechless...
In my weakness, I am promised a crown. All I have to do is trust.... How fortunate I am...
Just this evening, I was sharing with someone about what I am learning from Job. I explained that I've missed the point of the entire book! Satan comes to the Lord one day stating, "Job serves you only because you've given him so many incentives." The Lord's response, "No, Job serves me because he KNOWS His God. I will remove all from him and he will continue to serve me." Wow.
*Gulp, gulp.*
Job KNEW the indescribable character of his personal Savior. He KNEW God is good in ALL circumstances. Upon losing everything, he still PERSEVERED. He still WORSHIPED. He still put one foot in front of the other, in full recognition of the Hope that was within him.
My circumstances are menial. I will never know true hardship; certainly never persecution. My every need is met. Everything in life comes back to the cross. Am I going to take it up and follow Him, or leave it lying in the dust?
I have decided who I will be "when I grow up". My usual response to life's speed bumps: BRING IT ON! If God is for me, who can be against me?
Have you ever had such a whack on the head from the Lord that you don't know how to even begin to put it into words??? That's been happening a lot for me over the past couple of months.
Yesterday, I realized that I had made a severe "boo-boo" with finances. Long story short, I am living on much less now than I would be were I working full time, yet God has worked things out in such a way that I will be better off financially than I have ever been before. I'm still reeling a bit. I'm one of those people that usually choose to try to understand God's grace rather than simply accept it for what it is. I've finally determined that His grace does not concern my own meager understanding. ***GULP.*** He chooses to use people and circumstances quite often without human explanation. One such example occurred just this morning.
An acquaintance of my family decided to drop off groceries and a Meijer's gift card on the front porch. He rang the doorbell and took off. We knew he was coming, because he called to say he had to drop something off, but we didn't realize what the contents would be. We haven't heard from this person in over a year. Out of the blue, he decides to drop stuff off. I don't get it...
The fact that we "don't get it" does not lessen the power of the grace extended us. When we do "get it", this lends no further credibility to the already quite credible Lord that we serve. I think I forget that too often...
If I could learn to live a life of gratitude, choosing not to concern myself so much with understanding, wouldn't I be better off???
Many unusual things have happened in the time I've been "laid up". I've reconnected with people I never thought I'd hear from again, I am in daily contact with a cousin whom I've not spoken to in over twenty years and my brother (a guy who does not believe in wasting words) and I have had several heart-to-hearts. This is not normal.
The most unusual thing, however, is that I've been spending lots of time in the kitchen. Strange, since I don't really cook! Anything to overcome the boredom! If I were to become a chef, I think I would be a pastry chef or I would make a good baker. I don't make anything that is actually healthy. That goes against my policy, "If it doesn't have sugar, don't eat it." I have perfected a little thing called "The Chocolate Chip Cookie" and am mastering a tangy delight called "The Lemon Square". Today, however, I will be masterfully coordinating the appropriate ingredients comprising "Strawberry Shortcake". Eat your heart out, Paula Deen - a stick of butter, my foot! I have strawberries running out of my ears resulting from a trip to Randazzo's last week. I originally intended these berries for "Fruit Pizza", which worked beautifully, except that I bought two cartons too many!
I am reminded of a time when I was not allowed in the kitchen... It was a low point in my life. I was about thirteen years old and had developed a poor track record when it came to culinary success. I remember one particular situation involving a chocolate pie that turned out to be lemon....or was it a lemon pie that turned out to be chocolate....??? I remember melting chocolate squares in the microwave. No big deal....except that the bowl was not microwave safe. Upon "nukeage", the bowl began to melt into the chocolate. That was the day that I found out that chocolate is tough stuff! The chocolate did not melt, yet the bowl did. I remember spending about 45 minutes to an hour peeling plastic away from the chocolate. Aha! I believe that's when I decided to make a lemon pie! And my church actually lets me put on luncheons....!
There were other minor incidents, of course. There was the great "Whoopie Pie" ordeal of '91. Terrible name for a recipe... Anyway, I had decided to make thick, fluffy chocolate cookies (a.k.a. "Whoopie Pies"), not knowing that the recipe would generate approximately 100 of these lead rockets... With each new ingredient, I had to upgrade to a larger bowl. I had more dough then I knew what to do with. Of course it was about that time that I heard the garage door opening and realized that my parents were arriving home. Uh-oh! So, I proceeded to do what anyone in a culinary crisis about to get busted by her parents would do! I've found that the toilet is the answer to all of life's accidental kitchen creations. I rushed into the bathroom conveniently located just off the kitchen, mammoth bowl of dough in hand, and proceeded to cover my tracks. Down the hatch, glob by glob, or dollop by dollop if you are Martha Stewart, went the sticky black concoction. I kept shoveling out the goods until I was down to one, manageable little lump of dough. I rushed back into the kitchen just as the door opened. In walked the queen bee (my mother). She, of course, was "concerned" that I was at work yet again. Some of the concern, however, was deflated upon realization that I had only a small lump of dough to contend with. I was a genius! I proceeded to bake these puppies and was so proud of myself when the timer went off. These beauties looked perfect! Upon retrieving one cookie from the pan, I noticed that it felt exceptionally heavy and looked.....BLACK! It tasted like charcoal (or what I would imagine charcoal to taste like). That was the day "Whoopie Pies" became known as lead rockets.
Fortunately, those days are behind me. I am no longer banned from the kitchen, but I am under utmost scrutiny when I am at work. That is bothersome at it is more difficult to sneak a taste of cookie dough while under surveilance, but it is the price I must pay for culinary success!
TIP: "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him." - Psalm 34:8 Next time I've invited you over for dinner, remember that the Lord is good and, as you stare into the blackened abyss that is your 11 oz. Porterhouse (I prefer to call it "well done"), you can take refuge in Him.
Here is one of my all-time favorite recipes:
FRUIT PIZZA
Prep Time: 25 min
Total Time: 25 min
Makes: 16 servings, 1 slice each
1 pkg. (18 oz.) refrigerated sliceable sugar cookies
1 (8 oz.) package of cream cheese 1 tsp. Vanilla 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
2 cups assorted fruit, such as sliced bananas, strawberry slices, grapes, nectarine slices, peeled kiwi slices
PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Press dough evenly into 12-inch pizza pan. Bake as directed on cookie dough package.
REMOVE crust from pan; place on serving plate. Spread with combined powdered sugar, vanilla and cream cheese; top with fruit. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Cut into 16 slices to serve. Store leftover pizza in refrigerator.
NOTE: You may also prepared this on a large cookie sheet. Rarely do I make a pizza shape.
SUBSTITUTE: It's also fun to buy chocolate chip cookie dough and use crumpled candy bars for the same effect.
Last night I had the privilege of going out to dinner with a good friend. It's always good to get out of the house these days and I find that it is much easier to come back home knowing that these various opportunities will be dispersed throughout the next couple of months (how's that for a run-on sentence?). We went to Outback and did a little shopping afterward (I left my purse in the car for what I think is an obvious reason).
I am reminded, once again, of the strong importance of surrounding yourself with godly people; of how your closest friends should be believers. We tend to, whether we realize it or not, be influenced most by those whom we surround ourselves. I can easily look back on a period of my life where I was dangerously influenced. I didn't realize it at the time, of course. Hindsight is 20/20 as the saying goes. However, when I think about that unusual time now, I am so RELIEVED and GRATEFUL that God protected me. I could've made some truly foolish, life-altering decisions that would have been irreversible. I feel...SAVED....DELIVERED....FREE! While these experiences are not always those of "feeling", they are genuine nonetheless. My point is this: if you've never had the experience of walking away from a conversation with a friend pondering thoughts of a spiritual nature, then you need to find new friends! Our relationships should be those that leave us encouraged and desirous of knowing more about our Creator.
Throughout the course of the dinner conversation last night, the topic of "Hope" was broached on the part of my friend. Fortunately, she is someone who "Gets it" - she's sharp and doesn't tend to proof text. She spoke of an all-to-familiar passage in Romans 5:1-8.
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
I love this passage. It's one that I've read over and over and over again. I've studied the book of Romans with intensity, with purpose, and ultimately, with hope! One thing that's bothersome and worrisome to me is that "hope" is often read as a verb. It is NOT a verb in this passage! It is a NOUN - JESUS IS HOPE! How can we so completely drop the ball! I think often of two other passages that are seriously misconstrued. The first being:
Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three come together in My name, there am I with them."
Read the rest of the passage! Better yet, read the book! This is talking about discipline!
The second:
Psalm 37:4"Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart."
Okay, I'm delighted, now where's my million dollar mansion, Fortune 500 husband, Jag, and live-in nanny (by the way, Super Nanny rocks!)? I have to laugh! I am guaranteed NOTHING, but promised EVERYTHING! Confused? That's okay, most of us are perpetually so! God does not guarantee us a spouse, children, the perfect car or home. He especially does not guarantee us a life of frivolity. He does not work on a merit system: if you do this, I will grant you that. So many people become frustrated when they don't get what they want. Well, if doing something only to be rewarded in return is your motivation for honoring Christ, then are you truly being obedient? Here's another favorite of mine:
Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Maybe it's just me, but I can't see the part where it says, "Trust in the Lord....and he will give you a car." Trust me, I looked! I really need the car! While it is true that God provides our every need, He is NOT Joel Osteen (sorry, Joel). He does not go around saying, "Live your best life and I will give you a lucrative Swiss bank account." That is a merit system if I ever heard one. God does not have an "insert quarter here" slot. He does, however, say, "Honor me and I will give you MY best for you: protection, food, clothing, eternal security, true purpose and fulfillment, the HOPE that is ME." After all, "I AM THAT I AM." This isn't a slam against Joel Osteen fans, this is a plea to begin to THINK. Don't look for God's Word to tell you what you want to hear. Read it for Who He is. This is His love letter to Us. Why distort it? To alter its context is to doubt the Author. Who am I to think that I can make it SOUND better by reading it the way I think it should be read, rather than the way He intended for us to read it?
In the words of Ron Cambell, I am "Hope filled and forever changed" because I took Him at His Word when He took me at my worst! Who needs the live-in nanny? I've got HOPE - I have a live-in Savior! If you think about it, do you really need more than that?
"At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."
I think many times we are so busy with our own routines, that we forget about the preciousness of others. My aunt sent this story to me today and I was reminded that in the process of going about my own life, I might be hindering someone else's.
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered.
The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess.'We must do something about father,' said the son. 'I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.' So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.
The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, 'What are you making?' Just as sweetly, the boy responded, 'Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up.' The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.
The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.
That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.
Today I went to downtown Ann Arbor, also known as "The Village". I had forgotten how much I missed living in the middle of it all - the summer festivals, Art Fair, Top of the Park, you name it! Definitely the place to be if you enjoy things such as kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, shopping....and eating! We went into "Hollander's", my favorite stationary store. I love to write letters and send cards, so I guess that is why I have a fierce love for stationary and paper products. I have boxes and boxes of cards, letters, colorful envelopes, textured notes, floral prints, etc. of things that I love to write on as well as things that have been written and sent to me. I recently thumbed through many of these treasures and decided that I am going to make a framed collage of different letters and cards of the same color schemes - sort of a quilt-like approach to framed artwork maybe? I enjoy e-mail from the standpoint that it is quick and I find that I can get work done via e-mail that saves me from having to use the dreaded ringing noisy thing. I think they call it a "telephone"? I'm not sure - I try to avoid it. I do, however, love the cell phone. Only COOL people call me on that!
I am now home (with a headache...yuck!) relaxing. I have almost finished my most recent book and am looking forward to a hot bath and a bottle of Motrin! It really is the little things in life...!
Yesterday, my mom, sister and I went to see "27 Dresses" starring Katherine Heigl. I have discovered that I love ANY movie when it only costs me a buck! The movie was okay - it provided sufficient entertainment for the afternoon and it was a cute story line. It was actually a little better than I had expected.
I suppose I am a little unusual in the sense that I will watch a movie over and over and over again if I like the cinematography of the movie. Some of my favorites would be:
"Bewitched" - because I love the cute little house in this movie that is home for Nicole Kidman.
"Serendipity" - because I love the beautiful New York scenery with the falling white, puffy snowflakes and Rockefeller Center with its huge decorated Christmas tree.
"The Horse Whisperer" - because of the gorgeous Montana scenery and the fact that I love horses. The soundtrack is remarkable. I could definitely watch that one repeatedly and never get tired of if.
"Sabrina" (The Harrison Ford re-make) - because of the Paris, mansion, vineyard, etc. shots. "Steel Magnolias" - Gorgeous scenery and hilarious!
Today has been a good day to say the least! I love how we had horrible weather on Friday (the day representative of Christ's death) and today, on the day we've chosen to represent Christ's resurrection, the sun is shining! Coincidence??? I don't think so.
This morning I went to church with my ENTIRE family. My sister flew in from California late Wednesday evening and will be with us for another week or two. I think Mom was happy to have her kids in one spot at the same time. That's tough to pull off when your children are adults. My parents' church puts on an Easter morning breakfast each year, so we participated in that, which took the place of Sunday School. It was quite a long service this morning and we were ready to come home! We are now surrounding the television, watching the Tigers play the Cleveland Indians (game is tied, by the way), our guts ready to explode from the ham, potatoes, broccoli, rolls, and everything else under the sun that we just ate. We haven't even begun to think about dessert yet, but we will press on! I am enjoying being warm in front of the fireplace, good book in hand. I'm enjoying the art of relaxation, perhaps under the realization that I didn't know how to do that before!
I will close with an excerpt from an e-mail message I received early this morning:
John 11:25
"Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;"
Praise the Lord He is risen INDEED!
May each and every one of you have a wonderful Easter Holiday as you remember that our Lord, who died a most humiliating and painful death on Friday, is now today RISEN to give us NEW LIFE!!!
I came across this passage in my devotions. I thought it befitting of my circumstances. “...blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”- Jeremiah 17:7-8
Today is good Friday, which is in perfect keeping with the events of my morning! I have spent most of this week stressing about my job and finances. I had not heard from my immediate supervisor at work until this morning, so I was somewhat worried that she would post my position! I was also concerned about disability income. I am a month overdue and have not yet received a check. The thing about bills is that they don't fall under the "ignore-it-and-it-will-go-away" category. I was feeling a little overwhelmed.
My supervisor called this morning and assured me that she WOULD NOT post my position. Legally, after three months, it is the policy of the hospital to do this. Mary (my fearless leader) said that she wants me back on the floor and will hold the position for as long as it takes. PRAISE THE LORD!
I called the bank this morning, as I do every other Friday, to see if my disability income had been deposited yet. Well, it had indeed! My check was over $300 more than what I had expected it to be. I was hoping only to make next month's rent. Well, I just paid next month's rent, made a car payment AND paid the phone bill! I still have a little left over to get me by until next pay day.
I'm loving this Good Friday thing, however, it came at a very high price. All my stress and struggle are meaningless in comparison to this:
"As they led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. Jesus turned and said to them, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. For the time will come when you will say, 'Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!' Then 'they will say to the mountains, "Fall on us!" and to the hills, "Cover us!" 'For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?"
Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One." The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself." There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last." John 22:26-45
Please take a moment to listen to the testimony of Nick Vujicic. He will be interviewed on 20/20 at 10:00 p.m. on Friday, March 21st on ABC. This will be worth watching!
Yesterday was VERY BUSY. Mom had the day off and we decided that we didn't want to putz around the house all day. We went out! We discovered a new second hand shop along with a new Mexican Restaurant, "La Hacienda Vieja" - The Old Ranch. It was very good and VERY cheap. Including drinks, my lunch was only $7.45 before tax. We then headed to Arborland Mall where we visited Bed, Bath & Beyond, DSW, Dress Barn and Marshall's. The sales were good, but a little picked over. All of the Spring lines are out now (including swimsuits).
We decided we would head to Briarwood Mall to watch a movie. We arrived there at 4:15 and discovered that "Mad Money" (the movie Mom wanted to see) wasn't playing until 7:15. We had three hours to kill! We managed to handle it. I was happy to visit the T-Mobile store to get my phone fixed. The back panel was lost in the car accident and the battery has been falling out each time I use the phone. T-Mobile replaced the part in less than a minute for free. I was ecstatic!
Mom and I headed to Sear's for the Lands End sale. We each got a cable knit sweater for 70% off and then my Mom got her employee discount, 20% off, on top of that. Once again, I was ecstatic! I love a good bargain!
After dinner, we realized it was time to head down to the theater. We watched our 7:15 showing of "Mad Money" and then drove home. We arrived at the house around 9:40. We were exhausted, but happy to have been out in the sunshine all day. I slept like a baby last night and am off to the Village (downtown Ann Arbor) today to enjoy more sunshine.
A mom was concerned about her kindergarten son walking to school. He didn't want his mother to walk with him. She wanted to give him the feeling that he had some independence, but yet know that he was safe. So she had an idea of how to handle it. She asked a neighbor if she would please follow him to school in the mornings, staying at a distance, so he probably wouldn't notice her. The neighbor said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway, it would be a good way for them to get some exercise as well, so she agreed.
The next school day, the neighbor and her little girl set out following behind Timmy, as he walked to school with another neighbor boy he knew. She did this for the whole week.
As the boys walked and chatted, kicking stones and twigs, Timmy's little friend noticed the same lady was following them, as she seemed to do every day all week. Finally he said to Timmy, "Have you noticed that lady following us to school all week?
Do you know her?"
Timmy nonchalantly replied, "Yeah, I know who she is."
The friend said, "Well, who is she?"
That's just Shirley Goodnest," Timmy replied, "and her daughter, Marcy."
"Shirley Goodnest? Who the heck is she and why is she following us? "
Well," Timmy explained, "Every night my Mom makes me say the 23rd Psalm with my prayers, 'cuz she worries about me so much. And in the Psalm, it says, 'Shirley Goodnest and Marcy shall follow me all the days of my life,' so I guess I'll just have to get used to it!"
My church is preparing to begin photo sessions in order to develop a new pictorial directory. I happen to be on the committee that is working to produce this publication. Our committee had a meeting at church today, therefore a friend drove all the way to my parents' home to pick me up so that I could be at this meeting. This was an enjoyable time for me because it enabled us to spend some one-on-one time together. It is difficult to do this with people when you attend a larger church. I appreciated her continual willingness to do this as well as her helpfulness in seeing to it that I was able to get around appropriately on my cool scooter!
As a result of events such as those of today, I began to think about the choices we have in selecting our friends; in choosing the people whom we allow to be closest to us; those who will profoundly and positively impact our lives. "As iron sharpens iron, so a many sharpens the countenance of his friends," Proverbs 17:7.
I have to count myself fortunate in that it seems that there is a large number of people whom I care about, who also care greatly for me. Conversations that I've been able to exchange with such friends have pushed me to become more Christ-like; have challenged me to think about things such as motivations behind actions, the preciousness of others and how we might collectively further the kingdom in all that we do. To be able to walk away from lunch with a friend, thinking about the spiritual aspect of the conversation, contemplating the practical application that we sometimes don't even realize we are challenging each other with, is a gift. I cannot do this with everyone. I can only have this sort of relationship within the body of Christ. It is SO IMPORTANT to surround yourself with godly people. Age is no discriminator of strong bonds within the spiritual family. I love the closeness that is to be had with someone who is 78 versus someone who is 22; someone who has been attending for 30 years, versus someone who has only attended for six months. I am constantly amazed at how intricately and wonderfully constructed Christ's church truly is. There is strength to be drawn from each participant of the family. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us," Hebrews 12:1.
It was so neat to look around at the different faces of the committee members and see one lady who just joined the church this past summer, another lady who just joined right before Christmas, two ladies who've been attending for probably over twenty years, another lady who has only recently started to become involved because she just moved here last summer. God is multiplying and adding to our "cloud of witnesses" faster than I ever could've imagined. He's bringing in more and more brothers and sisters to encourage, pray, and work together to serve Him. I don't know that it gets much better than this! These are the people I want to surround me! I would not have it any other way. Today was a neat reminder of the importance of the spiritual family.
I've had many people ask questions about my background as the "biography" info on the right is a bit sketchy. It's difficult to sum up one's life story in 300 words or less! I thought I would spend today sharing about who I am and where I've come from. Hopefully, you will see God's hand in all of this just as clearly as the sun is shining.
I was born in Los Angeles, California on May 5, 1978. My parents were not expecting to have their first child until much later, but surprises sometimes happen! Mom was 23 and Dad was 24 and they were both dirt poor and scared to death! My dad was working for Campus Crusade and, as previously mentioned, finances were VERY tight.
To make matters worse, I was born with some severe birth defects and had multiple surgeries before I was one month old. I had no plumbing whatsoever and had to undergo multiple reconstructive surgeries as well as neurogenic bladder implantation and placement (I have an artificial bladder)! I had a cholostomy to contend with as well. I have been told by urologists since then that God must really love me because there wasn't appropriate medical technology in the '70's to allow for such dramatic procedures. They are dumbfounded that I haven't had any serious problems since that time. When I am weak, He is strong!
All of that being said, the first three years of my life were very trying for my parents. Surgery after surgery, hospitalization after hospitalization, etc. There were times when they were told that I would not make it through the night. When I am weak, He is strong!
Just when life seemed as though it were about to settle down, I came down with pneumonia at age three resulting in yet another hospitalization! I'm told that this was a very close call as well, but God apparently had a purpose for me because I'm still here! When I am weak, He is strong!
In the middle of all of this, we ended up moving from L.A. to a small town called Van Wert in Ohio. I only know one person who knows where that small town is: Bob Johnson! He is thrilled that I was a buckeye for at least a percentage of my life! My dad assumed a senior/youth pastorate roll at Calvary Evangelical Church in Van Wert, Ohio. It was a large church and he was terrified! This was a better living situation for our family as we spent some time "in the hood" while living in the L.A. area... I've heard stories of drunks out on the front lawn, people beating on the back door, etc. I'm glad the folks made the move!
I'm guessing that around age three, we then moved to Grover Hill, Ohio. Dad had assumed the senior pastorate position for Zion Baptist Church. Once again, only one person knows where that is: Bob Johnson! Go figure... I LOVED Grover Hill, but hated all the snakes that seemed to thrive on our property. I remember them coming out of a ditch along the side of the backyard and slithering through the cornfield. I remember one chasing me to the front porch one day. I still am terrified of snakes. When I am weak, He is strong?!?!?! ;-)
Shortly after our move, I remember my mom coming to me in my bedroom one day to tell me that she wanted me to go pray for a baby brother or sister with her. I didn't think this was a very good idea, but I did it anyone and wound up with my sister, Sara seven months before my fifth birthday... I was so excited when Mom went to hospital to deliver Sara because that meant that Grandma and Grandpa were coming! YEAH!!!! We would go shopping, eat at Wendy's, go to Smiley Park and they would be mine, ALL MINE, for the next few weeks. I was elated! They would bring me gifts, bake cookies with me and spoil me rotten. Life just couldn't get any better than that.... I got a little cocky because I vividly remember Grandma spanking me one day... Grandparents are NOT supposed to spank, punish or discipline their grandkids in ANY way... or so I thought... That was a bit of a speed bump down the freeway of life, but all was well again shortly thereafter.....
.....Until the phone rang. It was dad telling me that I had a baby sister, Sara Ruth. I think my response was, "Why?" I was not enthused. I then remember being told that we were going to the hospital to see her. I was excited about this only because I missed my mom. Upon entering the hospital, I was escorted straight to Sara. I remember Grandpa lifting me up so I could squish my face against the glass window of the hospital nursery pointing to Sara saying, "There she is." I was disgusted. "Where's Mommy?" I asked. I was then taken straight to my mom!
No one told me that we would have to take Sara home after she was born. This was NOT good news. All she did was eat and cry for two straight weeks. I remember one particular evening where she was screaming in her crib. Grandpa walked into her room and stood by the side of the crib just looking at her. I don't think he knew I was right behind him. "Lord, shut this child up," he murmured quietly... Sara has been vocal ever since.
Before I knew what hit me, it was time to move again! I was six years old when Dad announced that we were moving back to Van Wert. He'd assumed a senior pastorate roll at First Baptist Church of Van Wert. I think those days were probably the happiest of my life. We got to move to a big, beautiful two-story colonial home on two acres of cherry trees, apple trees, pine trees, grape vines, peonies and roses while surrounded by corn and wheat fields. This was the best "Hide & Seek" place by far. Each summer afternoon, Sara waited for Dad to get home so he would come outside to play "Hide & Seek" with us. Once again, Sara couldn't keep her mouth shut, so I would ALWAYS find where she and my dad were hiding. As I approached each hiding spot, I would hear Dad say, "Skeeter Bug, BE QUIET!" That was her nickname. It was because she looked like a giant insect when she was born....that's just my opinion.
Van Wert was great. My best friend, Shauna Cook, at the time lost her mother to cancer when she was just six years old. She had a younger brother, Josh, who was three and an older brother, Danny, who was five. This was sad, but great at the same time because that meant that Shauna could come over and play with me all the time. Our families did EVERYTHING together. I remember one particular evening when we had the bright idea of catching lightening bugs and putting them into jars. I'm not sure what inspired us to do this. After filling our jars with hundreds of thousands of bugs (which really only amounted to about five or six bugs), we ran into the house and up the stairs. We probably had about six or seven jars between the two of us. In the process of running up the stairs, we fell and our jars went tumbling to the bottom of the stairs where they were broken open and the bugs were set free....ALL OVER the house. Shauna and I immediately headed for the door to our favorite hiding spot outside... That's all I'm going to say about that!
The saddest day of my childhood had to have been when Dad announced that we were moving to Cedar Spring, Michigan. What the heck?!!?!! I was nine years old and he'd assumed a senior pastorate roll at Maranatha Baptist Church. During this time, another big surprise, approximately ten pounds and one ounce, showed up on April 18th, 1991. Two weeks before my thirteenth birthday, Aaron Marc barged his way into the world. My mom was initially devastated when she found she was pregnant. She thought the diapers and potty training days were well behind her. Dad was elated! He bought planes when he found out Mom was pregnant with me and sold them after I was born. He bought trains when Mom was carrying Sara and sold them after she was born. This time, he got to keep both.
My brother and I have always had a unique relationship. When you have people constantly asking you how old your son is, it tends to change the nature of things. This was a relationship that mirrored that of an aunt and a nephew. I was his other mom.
I had a good time at Maranatha, but of course we moved again three months before my 14th birdthday to Kalkaska, Michigan, home of Calvary Baptist Church of Kalkaska. These were some great years. I had a good youth pastor, close friends, my high school was only a block down the street from our house and things were going well. I was very active in church activities and felt like we were finally home.
In 1996, I graduated high school and enrolled at Pensacola Christian Prison (I mean COLLEGE) the following Fall. I am very proud to say that I lasted an entire semester there. I couldn't even come home for Thanksgiving. I'd had enough. When I am weak, He is strong!
My dad drove the 24-hour trip to Pensacola to take me home PERMANENTLY just before Christmas of '96. Before Dad even made it out of the car and up to my dorm room, my Mom called to say that her Dad had just died. We immediately turned around and drove non-stop all the way home. Mom and Dad boarded a plane for L.A. the very next day. Dad went three or four days with his head ever touching a pillow. When we are weak, He is strong!
Ten days later, Mom and Dad flew back home. They were unlocking the front door and heard the phone ringing. It was my Mom's sister calling. Grandma just died. Back out the door we went, straight to the airport. We spent about a month in California clearing out the estate.
After all of this, I needed to figure out a job situation. I assumed a nanny position for a family in our church. The parents consisted of one high school French teacher and one contractor. They had a five year old daughter, Lindsey and a newborn, Joshua. I worked for them until school was out the following June of '97.
I decided to enroll in Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids in Fall of '97. I attended there for two years and could not decide on a major. Nothing appealed to me.
If you're not going to go to school, then you need to work! During the Winter of '98, I assumed another nanny position for the vice-president of sales for Bill Mahr-Sara Lee. That was interesting. They had three children living at home: Christopher, age three, Meghan, age five, and Mallory, age thirteen. After two months, the Lord made it very clear that this was not a good decision. I packed up and moved to Ann Arbor where my parents had established residence during my time at Cornerstone.
By now, Dad was an associate pastor in the Ypsilanti area. I didn't care for the church and had a difficult time feeling like I fit in. I was soon out looking for a church of my own. I was also looking for a job! I ended up working for a small fire restoration company in Ann Arbor called First Class Services. I stayed there for about a year until a much, much better offer came along. I met Terri Eglinton, RN, in December of 1999. I had no health care experience of any kind, but she decided to give me a shot. She liked my personality and thought I'd be a boost for moral on the unit. In January of 2000, I was hired as health unit coordinator for cardiology step-down at Saint Jospeh Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. I finally knew that this was what I was supposed to do as a career. I loved St. Joe's and was there for eight years. I was very happy. I had a cool apartment in Ann Arbor, I loved the village area and things couldn't get any better.
January 23, 2003, I woke up in the middle of the night with sharp, intermittent stabbing pains on my left side. I got out of bed and took some Motrin and decided to wait for thirty minutes. Well, exactly thirty minutes later, I was being wheeled into the E.R. of St. Joe's Hospital on a gurney. The pain had escalated rapidly and I decided to drive myself to the hospital. I knew I wasn't pregnant, but it felt like I was giving birth. I was quickly diagnosed with having two large kidney stones stuck in the base of my left kidney. There was no was for any drainage to pass through my body. I had become septic (a.k.a. deathly ill) and, due to my extensive surgical history, no one new what to do. If they performed the usual lithotripsy procedure in order to break up the stones, they could puncture my artificial bladder or tear the kidney. I was green in appearance and constantly vomiting, but the pain was the worst pain I've ever had in my life. Even worse than having broken bones or my ankle pushed back into place. This is when it pays to be buddies with your primary care physician and your urologist and have the staff of the hospital! God had strategically placed me in that place of employment for such a time as this. I am convinced of that. By that time, I had already opened up the first private practice my personal physician had ever owned, I was managing it effectively and things were going very well from a business perspective. My doctor knew me well and I needed someone like that to be able to fix this huge medical problem. When I am weak, He is strong!
Dr. M. Hugh Soloman, a south African guy and good friend, came storming into the E.R. two hours later. It must've been around 4 a.m. "Why didn't you call my cell phone?" he asked me. I am not in the habit of abusing patient/doctor privileges, but was so grateful for this man and so ill, that I happily accepted the verbal spanking! Dr. Solomon flew out of state to watch urologists perform a brand new, experimental procedure for patients with artificial bladders suffering from kidney stone blockages. You want to talk about feeling humbled? Let's do it!
Dr. Solomon flew back and performed three procedures on me. He took time away from his patients, his practice, the hospital and his family in order to fix me. I am alive today because of the way God used this man. When I am weak, He is strong; He is at work!
On February 23, 2007, Dr. Solomon performed his last procedure and I was sent home to recover for an additional month. I haven't had any problems since then.
During that recovery period, I spent a great deal of time wondering where God would lead me in the way of finding a church. I decided to re-visit my parents' church in Ypsilanti. I even ended up joining the church for one year, but knew that wasn't what God had for me. I didn't feel the church was moving in the right direction and had some strong concerns about the leadership. I began to get very depressed. I felt like the hamster in the wheel. Spinning and spinning without any rhyme or reason. Totally and completely without purpose. I went on like this for a couple of years. When I am weak, He is strong.
My parents have known the associate pastor of the church I attend now and his wife for over 25 years. I've always known this church existed, but never thought to try it out. I finally decided on January 1st, 2006, that I would go visit. I haven't attended anywhere else since. In November of 2006, I became a member and decided it was time to dive in! I absolutely loved Cornerstone. I love the people who ARE Cornerstone. I am home now. After years and years of trying to figure out what "home" looks like, I now know. As much as I love the people, it's not ABOUT the people. It's about allowing Christ to work in and through you. I can say with absolute certainty that He is doing that right this very moment. When I am weak, He is strong!
I attended Cornerstone for nine months, making the drive from Ann Arbor to Roseville every Sunday AND Wednesday. In November of 2006, I knew it was time to make a decision. I couldn't keep doing this with the expectation that I could lay down roots there. Then I was hired by Beaumont Hospital in Troy (very competitive, so that was definitely the hand of God) and I began to look for living arrangements. I moved into a condo owned by a 60-year-old lady that same month. Unbeknownst to me, this lady was an alcoholic with multiple psychological issues who loved to root through my personal belongings, my bills, my drawers and closet as well as help herself to my personal computer files whenever the spirit moved her. I frequently could hear her phone conversations with friends, LYING to them about things I had said or done. In January of '07, I knew this was getting VERY dangerous. When I am weak, He is strong.
God has ALWAYS blessed me with very strong Christian friends that I can trust in any situation. At my lowest, most discouraged point, my friend Jessica rescued me. She put her foot down and said, "Val, we're getting you out of this mess NOW." She would not have taken "no" for an answer (PRAISE THE LORD)! I moved to Plymouth with Jessica until I could get back on my feet. This is where it gets good: God's grace was so abundant to me during this time. Jess refused rent, allowing me to build some savings so that I could find a place to live. Also, a good friend of mine from work had purchased a condo during this time. I was unaware of this. We had discussed moving in together before, but it never looked as though it would work out. When I am weak, He is strong.
One day, at work, Ranju (my new condo-owner friend), mentioned that she heard I was looking for a roommate. I said that I was. She then said, "Don't look anymore. I just bought a condo in Sterling Heights. It's not even two miles from work. Just move in with me." And the angels sang!!! In April '07, I moved in with Ranju and it has been a great experience. She has bent over backwards to help me whenever I've needed it. I am so thankful that God is ALWAYS at work, ESPECIALLY when we cannot see it. At my weakest point, He was making His strongest move.
In May of 2007, I took another blow. Through some spiritual events and confrontations that ocurred, I lost someone who I thought was one of my best friends. We were never able to fully reconcile the friendship because my friend cannot see the depth of his own depravity; the bondage that sin has placed him in. If you've ever experienced the death of a close friend or family member, then you know what this feels like. This past summer was truly the hardest summer of my life. I can withstand weird living situations, financial turmoil, job difficulties, etc., but when something is happening with people I am close to, that is a different story. This just about destroyed me. I also lost my car during this time as well, but when I am weak, He is strong.
This was where the rubber was to meet the road. There comes a point in everyone's lives where we have to choose who we are going to be. Are we going to live for Christ or live for self? The cost is great and we are NEVER promised that it will be easy. As a matter of fact, we are guaranteed that "in this world, you WILL have trouble," however, the profound promise is this: "Lo, I am with you ALWAYS. EVEN UNTO THE END." I am not a hamster spinning it's wheel. Christ has always had a predetermined course for my life, continually and providentially guiding each and every step. When I am weak, He is strong.
My decision had been made. I was going to respond to this Biblically rather than emotionally. The problem with emotions is that they change. If we serve a God who is the same yesterday, today and forever, that means we serve a Lord of stability. If we are to live as Christ, then that means that I have to be firmly grounded and stable just as He is. When I am weak, He is strong.
Even though this was an awful time, one that I hope never to repeat, so much GOOD has come out of this. I became very close with many people. I've learned what church is; that it's one big family; that it is a global community. A car was provided and I learned that the Lord heals all wounds and to be thankful for the scars, for in them lie the stories of His grace and mercy. The scars are a constant reminder that HE WILL COME THROUGH UNFAILINGLY. When I am weak, He is strong.
As I sit here typing all of this up, I realize that this is excellent therapy! I always wondered what I would do with a blog if I had one. It was then brought to my attention that a blog can act as a journal; that ten years from now, when I am in the middle of new sufferings, I can look back at this and be reminded of some of the attributes of my Lord; I will be reminded to continually stand firm in Him; He will bring me through. He is doing that even now in that He is physically healing me, He is already working on providing a car and He is working out my finances. I am weak, but He is strong!
I've told many people that if I get one more card that says, "You need to rest now," I plan to chuck it into the fireplace. I am not someone who rests. I really don't know how and I find it to be a joyless waste of time. I have since learned that to rest ultimately means to trust. "You need to TRUST now." That much is true. If I get another card that says that, it will not make it's acquaintance with the fireplace. It will be placed in a scrapbook for future reflection; a reminder that when I am weak, He is strong.
"Jesus Loves Me / Clair De Lune" - Dino Kartsonakis
I have spent most of the day at home, recuperating from my cameo appearance at church yesterday (please not that this is totally tongue-in-cheek)! I had planned to catch up with Art & Spanky this morning, but did not realize that Mom doesn't return to work until tomorrow. My mouth has been watering all day at the idea of my 10% discounted cinnabon. Art & Spanky will be at the mall tomorrow and so will I (cinnabon in hand)!
I have been very sleepy today! I guess the weekend took more out of me than I thought it would. Generally, on lazy, sleepy days, I like to curl up with a good book. I did just such a thing today with Jan Karon's "Home to Holly Springs". I kept coming back to particular quote that I fell in love with in this book:
"Let us be as grateful for crumbs as we are for banquets."
My parents have had a particularly rough year financially. I have watched them struggle week after week, month after month to purchase groceries, make mortgage payments, continue on with my brother's tuition, etc. The list is endless and the bills keep piling up. Necessity has forced us to be grateful for the little things. The problem with calling them "the little things" is that it detracts from the greatness of God's provision. If you've followed this blog at all, you'll remember that I recently reference the following song lyrics, "Little is much when God is in it." That is nothing that should fall under the label of "little things."
The Lord has continually met every need. He has never once failed or "forgotten" to supply dinner or electricity or gas. The water has never been shut off and the lights are always on. My parents have been just as grateful for PB & J as they would be for fillet mignon. It would be very easy, in a few years, to forget this time because it is unpleasant. However, you cannot know true joy if you never experience hardship. You cannot experience freedom if you've never endured bondage.
Yesterday, I had the privilege of going to lunch with some of my favorite people in the world. One such person shared the story of his nephew who is a parapalegic due to a car accident that took place twelve years ago. Spiritually, this nephew is stronger and was heard to say, "I prefer myself now to the way that I was," meaning that God used this tragedy for His glory, thus changing this person's life. Of course we could look at this situation and lament at the sadness of the physical changes in this person's life. However, God changed him SPIRITUALLY; drew him closer to Himself. It is never a problem to be physically weak if you are spiritually strong. Each time we draw closer to our Savior, we gain another drop in our already overflowing cup.
"Be careful not to forget the things you have seen God do for you. Keep reminding yourself & tell your children and grandchildren, too," Deuteronomy 4:9. Take pride in what your Savior does for you! Do not cast aside struggles nor forget hardships for in doing so, we lose the joy of sharing God's grace with generations to come!
I have attempted to have "The Hallelujah Chorus" serenading readers in the background so that the full effect of my joy might be better conveyed. No such luck, so you will have to hum jubilantly to yourself as you read this! I hope, for the sake of your spouse (or dog), that you are not tone deaf...
I am one VERY HAPPY woman in that I was able to visit my church today for the first time since February 3rd. That might not seem like a long time to you, but it is a VERY LONG time to me! It's a month, for Pete's sake! That's enough to push me to the brink of total insanity! Some would argue that I'm already there as it is...
I have been amazed that some have offered to pick me up from my place of recuperation in order that I might enjoy such a day as this one. It is a long drive, especially in snowy weather.
One such brave soul determined to press on yesterday amidst the flurries, ice and insanity that are so familiar to our Detroit freeways. I honestly did not expect her to do this for me, but she did! Her bravery allowed me to catch up with FAMILY, enjoy the message presented by my pastor (IN PERSON) and spend time getting to know some new family members. I often run across people who do not know the true meaning of the word "church". Most would describe a church as a building or architectural structure used for worship, religious activities or spiritual rejuvenation. However, we, as Christ's followers, are described as being church; as ONE in the sense that we are His body; we collectively embrace Him and His sacrifice for us with the purpose of working together as Kingdom builders. Romans 7:4 "So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God." We actually BELONG. We have a place of purpose that is eternal. We have a Father for the orphaned, siblings for "only" children, support for widows; the list goes on. We have been raised from death and brought into life in order that we might each, individually function as part of one whole; inspiring change; making each other stronger than before thus glorifying Christ! There is such theology packed into this one tiny verse. This is a statement, that is God-inspired, God-breathed telling me that I can no longer be my own island because I belong to others! At the same time, I have a great responsibility to bear fruit so that I don't spoil the other apples, so to speak. That's a tall order, but not an impossible one. Romans 12:4-5 "Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." There is no greater gift then that of a strong sense of belonging; a place to call home. I cannot be all that Christ wants me to be by myself. We as believers cannot and were not made to thrive alone! We would whither away and die without companionship. When Jesus died for me, He brought me home.
John Donne, a 16th century author and believer, wrote, "All mankind is of one author, and is one volume; when one man dies, one chapter is not torn out of the book, but translated into a better language; and every chapter must be so translated...As therefore the bell that rings to a sermon, calls not upon the preacher only, but upon the congregation to come: so this bell calls us all: but how much more me, who am brought so near the door by this sickness....NO MAN IS AN ISLAND, entire of itself...any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee." (Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions, Meditation XVII). We each are ONE chapter, of ONE book, composed by ONE Author. Christ's blood has made us ONE. As one candle is snuffed out, a torch burns all the brighter in its stead. We have the privilege of continuing the legacy of the One Who died for us.
Knowing that I can go home to those who will work with me to further His kingdom, holding me accountable, helping me to be all that He wants me to be, continuing His legacy, is truly a remarkable gift. Hebrews 10:25, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
I love this: "as you see the Day approaching." CHRIST IS COMING! We often have the mindset that this is a long way off; that He will not return in our lifetime. The truth is this: "But of that day and hour, knoweth no man, no, not the angels of Heaven, but My Father only," Matthew 24:36. It could happen tonight in my sleep. Only the Father knows. How much time do I waste missing the big picture? We need to be IN the body, not OF it! There are plenty of bench warmers and pew peddlers, but not nearly enough grapes! Today was a strong reminder of the importance of being with the people of God. My longing was satisfied and the emptiness was filled!
Everything in life goes back to the cross. A remarkable lady will be crashing in her bed at home this evening from her busy weekend of chauffering; her display of love for me simply because her eyes are on the cross...continuing His legacy...
"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me." Matthew 25:40
