"...my tears ... are they not in Thy book?"

Note: At first I hesitated to publish this post.
I know I have often been brutally honest on this blog; I have bared my heart to the world, if they care to see it. Yet I still shrink from being too personal with the feelings, hopes, joys, sorrows, and other things I share, with the knowledge that many (if not most) who read it will not understand. I have decided to publish it anyway. I am not ashamed of anything, for I have nothing to be ashamed of. But if you read this post - or anything on this blog for that matter - and feel confused, bewildered, or skeptical when you finish, please keep in mind that I am writing mainly for my own remembrance and record, so that I may look back to times like this, and see how the Lord used them to work His wonderful glory into my life - and the lives of those I love. If you receive a benefit from it, it will be a double blessing to me.
I have tried to explain some of the things I mention, but often I just pour out my heart, and only the Lord and I (and possibly Trissy) know what I am talking about. Please read with respect.

With yesterday being Fifth Sunday, Victory Rd. had morning services, lunch at the church, and an afternoon singing service, canceling evening services. So Mom, Trissy, and I went with The Grandparents to their church for their evening service. After church, the six boys that had come to Victory Rd. for the 30 Hour Famine went outside to play basketball in the corner of the parking lot and Trissy and I went out with them. After spending almost a day and a half together, we'd gotten to know each other alot better.
Talking and playing with the boys after church got me thinking again of the blessings and burdens I'd gotten from our 30 Hour Famine, including the service Friday evening and Law. So I re-watched the video recording of the service Friday night. And I noticed something else that, in the involvement of the service, I hadn't noticed Friday. For the closing song/invitation song, Archer played his acoustic guitar and he and Julia sang. Just them, none of the rest of the group. Of course it was a sober time - reflecting on the message and what it meant for each person - so it was appropriate for that last quiet song to be just those two soothing voices and the gentle guitar. But (and Trissy said she'd noticed it that night) as I watched that video, they seemed so perfect standing there, singing together. And I was painfully reminded how badly I wanted them for each other.
Trissy and I have been praying for quite a while that the Lord would mature them both to their fullest potential for His glory; and that when they're ready, that He would put them together as husband and wife. They're both kindof young still for that, but both have SO much potential for greatness, and they just seem so right for each other.
But when I saw that picture, on top of concern for Law, and adding the song they were singing to the mix, I just started crying - I couldn't help it! Slow tears at first, then as the song went on and grew in intensity and beauty and comfort, I began sobbing so hard I was afraid Trissy could hear me in the next room.
I don't cry much. At all. Now, I'm not ashamed to cry from compassion or love, I just am not usually a weepy person. But I couldn't stop this.
The Lord was the only one who could see me, and the only one I could pour out the concerns of my heart to anyway; certainly the only one who could do anything about it. I shut my bedroom door, and knelt on the floor with my face on the carpet, and cried to God - both from my eyes and from my heart. I begged Him to guide and direct the precious lives of my dear friends - to give Archer and Julia to each other in time, if it was His will; to protect dear Law and give him direction, peace, clarity, and true joy. To call him into active ministry, either as a music leader, preacher, missionary, or some other life of service to the Lord.

Here is the song, "Unfailing Love". I got it off of YouTube, and the recording quality is not the best, but it sounds the closest to Archer and Julia's version:



"You have my heart,
And I am Yours forever.
You are my strength -
God of grace and power.

And everything You hold in Your hand.
Still You make time for me -
I can't understand.
So I praise You, God of earth and sky.
How beautiful is Your unfailing love!
Unfailing love.

And You never change, God You remain
The Holy One -
My unfailing love!
Unfailing love.

You are my rock,
The One I hold on to.
You are my song,
And I sing for You.

And everything You hold in Your hand.
Still You make time for me -
I can't understand.
So I praise You, God of earth and sky.
How beautiful is Your unfailing love!
Unfailing love.

And You never change, God You remain
The Holy One -
My unfailing love!
Unfailing love.

And everything You hold in Your hand.
Still you make time for me -
I can't understand.
So I praise You, God of Earth and sky.
How beautiful is Your unfailing love!
Unfailing love.

And You never change, God You remain
The Holy One -
My unfailing love!
Unfailing love.

I will praise you, God of earth and sky.
How beautiful is your unfailing love!
Unfailing love.

And You never change, God You remain
The Holy One -
My Unfailing love!

Unfailing love.
Unfailing love."

I remembered the verse about God saving our tears in a bottle so I got up to look it up (Psalm 56:8). The next verse seemed so appropriate to the situation as well. I jotted down some more thoughts in my 'Tidbits from Life' journal that I had been reading, and where my tears had landed as they fell:

"'...put Thou my tears into Thy bottle: are they not in Thy book? When I cry unto Thee, then shall my enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.' Sometimes in my great love and limited knowledge, I think that God must be the only one who loves or could love one I love more than I do. He's the only one whose eyes and heart shed more tears for them than mine do. And therefore, victory is in sight."

I hadn't read out of my devotional book ("Mornings with Jesus 2012: Daily Encouragement for Your Soul" - a Guideposts-published book of 366 devotions by 7 different women) in the morning because, being so tired from the last couple of days before, I had stayed in bed a little longer, saving it to read at night before I went to bed. I reached for the book and opened it to April 29. Here it is:

"SUNDAY, APRIL 29
-------
"Jesus wept." John 11:35
-------
It's the shortest verse in the Bible, but it's depth of meaning is significant. Jesus' dear friend Lazarus is dead. Lazarus' sisters are distraught. They'd seen the Teacher heal so many. Why did this happen? Why couldn't - or didn't - Jesus heal Lazarus? Why didn't He come sooner? Doesn't He care?
When Jesus arrives, Lazarus has already been in the tomb for four days. Martha hears He's coming and heads out to meet Jesus. She wants answers. When Jesus was visiting last time, Martha donned an apron and headed to the kitchen. Knowing her personality, Jesus provides an answer: 'Thy brother shall rise again.' With Martha, Jesus got down to the bottom line.
Mary, on the other hand, is the tenderhearted sister. She was the one found sitting at Jesus' feet in Luke 10:39. When Mary approaches, she asks the same question, but Jesus' response isn't the same. Seeing her weeping He's deeply moved. He cries with her.
Two women, two personalities, yet a Lord Who understands...Who loves them just as they are.
Sometimes I'm like Martha. I want answers. I want an explanation for the hurt and pain. Through reading the Bible and praying, I find hope and comfort. Jesus never lays out the complete picture of how things will work, but He reminds me He's got the situation under control.
Other times I'm more like Mary. I don't need an answer; I simply need to feel Jesus' love. Just like Jesus asked for Mary, Jesus tells me to come, and in my coming I don't need to be ashamed of my tears. In fact, my heart finds a special peace knowing He's weeping with me.

-------
Faith Step: When is the last time you cried? Think back to that moment. Picture Jesus weeping with you. How does that change your view of that circumstance?
-Tricia Goyer"

Wow.

Though I know it in my heart and He has proved it over and over, I'm continually amazed at how the One Who made and rules the entirety and vastness of the universe would condescend to bend down to my level and - in a tangible way - touch me, reminding me of His pure kindness and indescribable love.
Even little things, like just now, as I was typing that devotional out, I had one side of the book wedged underneath the edge of my laptop to keep it open as I typed. I finished reading and typing the devotional, turned to the computer, and the wedged side of the book slipped free of the laptop and the book flipped closed.

He is holy. He is just. He is love. He is kind. He is in complete control. Praise His name.

SOLI DEO GLORIA!

-Kyrie<><

'Everything...'

I have such a mix of emotions running through me right now. So many random and yet related things have happened the last few days, and I am whirling inside with my feelings about them. Yet, at the same time, I have that indescribable 'peaceful anxiety' Jay Austin talks about on the movie Flywheel. Here are some of my thoughts on everything.

This 30 Hour Famine thing - alot of what I'm feeling I owe to it. It starts this afternoon and there is still so much to do. I wonder if Archer got any sleep at all last night. Poor guy looked like he was just functioning in automatic at Bible study yesterday evening.
This has really been a huge bite for him to chew, but I can see (Trissy mentioned it as well) that he has grown up a little bit more since he took on this project. Lots of responsibility involved, and though he's undoubtedly equal to that, it has still been alot of pressure on him, with school and a job, not to mention wanting to spend time with his family, as well. I've been proud of him - though I'm still not fully sure how I feel about this whole 30 Hour Famine thing, I've been proud to see Archer's character and heart displayed so sweetly, yet with his own signature approach and brand of passion.
I pray that God will use this event to help grow him into the great man of God that he could be, and that it seems he is already well on his way to becoming.
Archer looked so overwhelmed when he left last night from Bible study, Trissy suggested we have prayer for him before we drove away. She prayed the sweetest prayer. All I could have said was, "Dittos" and my prayer would have been just exactly what I wanted to say!

Mom's oldest sister and her husband are also coming to visit today from a couple of states over. They both suffer from poor health and various ailments, so when they get to make the trip, it is quite a treat. The only thing this time is, Trissy and I will only get to see them for a couple of hours before we head to the church for the 30HF, and they leave tomorrow while we'll still be at the church. We didn't even know they hoped to come until a couple of weeks ago, so the schedule clash was unavoidable. We're trying to get ready for them, plus the Famine, not to mention the disappointment of missing most of their rare visit.

I've had four Etsy sales in the last two weeks. I'd only had three sales before that, in the over-a-year that my shop has been set up.

One of the college girls from church who had her (very nice Nikon D3100) camera with her at Strength To Stand, had promised to get me copies of the pictures, but still hadn't. I got to really wanting to see them again earlier this week, so I texted her and she said she'd take the card to church Wednesday night and I could transfer the pictures to my laptop. She forgot, but went back to her house, got the whole camera, and sent it to my class by another girl, so now I've got it at home with me! What's so great, is that she is my 'secret sister/prayer partner' this year at church, and one of the gifts I'd wanted to give her was a camera strap cover. But I had no idea what the measurements of her camera strap were, and had no idea how I could get them without her knowing about it! Now that strap has basically been handed to me to measure on a silver platter.

Yesterday at work, Simon and Joy (his younger sister) came to afterschool for a few minutes and Simon played basket ball with one of the little boys while Joy chatted with me. She comes out frequently to visit and keep me company, and - though she's more than ten years younger than me - she is so sweet and I really enjoy having someone more mature than just the little kids to talk to :D . Anyway, after a few minutes Bro. Blake came by to get them. He called to Simon something about Law waiting for him. Law and Simon are really good, if not best, friends. Law and Abigail and Piper used to go to VRCA, and Simon really missed him when the S. kids started being home-schooled instead. Of course they all still go to Victory Rd. though, and the boys get together at other times too. Joy told me they were going to spend the afternoon kayaking at the reservoir.
Later, after I'd left work, the sun was behind me and in the faces of those I was passing as I turned off the main road through town onto the one leading out of town, back to our 'neck of the woods'. There was a little string of vehicles waiting to turn back into town at the stop sign. I noticed a gold suburban-like vehicle with a green kayak and a red kayak strapped to the top, and looked down at the people inside. Sure enough, it was Simon and Law in Law's new vehicle (well, new to him - it's not new new), heading home at the end of the afternoon. The sun was in their faces, their green eyes were shining, and Law's right hand was draped over the steering wheel, his head bobbing in time to music as his chin rested in his other hand, propped up by his elbow in the open window. I waved hard as I passed, but they were lost in their own little world. That picture though, was such a blessing. Even if I hadn't known those boys, I would have loved it. They looked so carefree and youthful and wholesome and old-fashioned - two youths on their way home from an afternoon jaunt, enjoying the carefree days of summer.

So, good things are happening. Little sweets dropped into my life by my God Who loves me, possibly as a way of saying, "Hey, don't worry. I love the people you love, WWWWWAAAAAYYYYY more than you do, or ever could. I've got them - it's okay. And I love you."

One of the songs Austin picked out for our music group to do this week was "10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)", one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. So powerful, both in lyrics and musical composition. It has this sweet, haunting, Celtic-y sort of sound. Mom commented that it would sound good with a penny whistle, which I have and am trying to learn to play, but I'm already playing the keyboard and the keyboard part is tricky enough! We practiced a long time Tuesday night, trying to get all the timing down, and all the kinks worked out. The other guys love to tease me, but they're so patient and forgiving with my mistakes too, encouraging and instructing where I need it. I'd never been really nervous about playing with them (I'm not the type that gets stage fright), but I was nervous about playing that song. Even though it wouldn't be the end of the world if we messed up, the keyboard was the main part, and if I messed up, it would make them look bad. I just didn't want to let them down.
Well, Wednesday we did the song, and no, I didn't fall on my face and it wasn't terrible, but I didn't come in at a couple of spots just right, and it wasn't perfect.
As Austin passed me when we went back to our seats, he whispered, "Good job." I think one of his spiritual gifts must be encouragement :) . The others never said anything one way or another, whether they forgot, or didn't get a chance, or what, I don't know. I did my best, but I still felt bad. With more practice, maybe I'll do better if we do that one again - I just hated the thought that maybe I'd let them down.

So anyway, that's a few thoughts on everything that is happening lately. Good things, disappointments, but everything works together to bring good. I've got to hurry off to make sure I've got everything I need for the Famine. Looking forward to seeing what God does through it. I thank the Lord for this peace that I'm sure is coming from Him in the middle of all this! Hopefully I can understand and learn the lesson.

"5 Small Things Friday" No. 30

Go back and read this post for the story behind "Five Small Things Friday".

For this week, here is my list:

1. Sight: Simon And Law Coming Back From Kayaking

2. Hearing: Joy Chatting With Me

3. Smell: Mom's Hair Stuff

4. Taste: A Hot Grilled-cheese Sandwich And A Home-made Muffin

5. Touch: Wednesday Night's Game

The stories behind the list:

1. After I'd left work Thursday afternoon, the sun was behind me and in the faces of those I was passing as I turned off the main road through town onto the one leading out of town, back to our 'neck of the woods'. There was a little string of vehicles waiting to turn back into town at the stop sign. I noticed a gold suburban-like vehicle with a green kayak and a red kayak strapped to the top, and looked down at people inside. It was Simon and Law in Law's new vehicle (well, new to him - it's not new new), heading home at the end of the afternoon. The sun was in their faces, their green eyes were shining, and Law's right hand was draped over the steering wheel, his head bobbing in time to music as his chin rested in his other hand, propped up by his elbow in the open window. I waved hard as I passed, but they were lost in their own little world. That picture though, was such a blessing. Even if I hadn't known those boys, I would have loved it. They looked so carefree and youthful and wholesome and old-fashioned - two youths on their way home from an afternoon jaunt, enjoying the carefree days of summer.

2. Joy, Aron and Simon's younger sister, Bro. Blake's daugher, comes out frequently to visit and keep me company at after-school. Bro. Blake's wife is a teacher there and sometimes stays over for a while to do work, and though Joy's more than ten years younger than me she is so sweet and funny and I really enjoy having someone more mature than the little kids alone to talk to :D . Monday she stayed longer than usual and I really enjoyed our visit. She kindof rambled about random stuff, but it was so soothing to hear her cheerful young voice and clever comments. She even taught us (me, and the younger kids sitting around listening to our chat) a song a little brother and sister couple from church had made up. It was really cute and clever! Here are the words, with the verses sung to the first part of the tune of "The Brave Old Duke Of York" - I guess they made up the chorus' tune:

Verse 1:
I woke up Saturday morning,
I looked up on the wall -
The 'skeeters and the bedbugs
Were playin' a game of ball.

Verse 2:
The score was six to nothin' -
The 'skeeters were ahead -
The bedbugs hit a homerun,
and knocked me out of bed!

I'm singin'

Chorus:
Eeny-meeny and a
Miny-mo.
Catch a wiffle-waffle
By it's toe.
And if he hollers (hollers, hollers),
Let him go,
With an
Eeny-meeny, an' a
Miny-mo!"

3. Mom has this hair product that she uses on her hair after she washes it. It smells just like the community center where we used to have our meetings when Trissy and I were in 4-H. We spent hours in that building with our 4-H friends, learning so much good stuff. Don't think I'll ever forget that particular scent. Brings back so many wonderful memories every time Mom does her hair :) !

4. If you know me well or have been reading this blog long, you know I love random, snacky suppers. Friday night Trissy and I went up to visit The Grandparents for supper and to spend the evening. Mom was gone on a two-day ladies' retreat with a group from the church, and Dad was studying. Trissy had the idea of taking some muffins out of the freezer, and making grilled-cheese sandwiches for supper. We all really enjoyed it. The Grandmother kept going on and on about how tasty it was - and boy could I agree!

5. After class Wednesday night, we usually have some type of group game to close out the evening. This past Wednesday we played a really fun one, and I decided to use it as my 'Touch' thing for this week.
The group puts their chairs in a circle, with one person standing in the middle, and no chair for them in the circle. The person in the middle is holding a small object like a button or a bottle cap. They must take the hand of someone from the circle and begin leading them around, still inside the circle. If it's a girl, she takes a boy; if it's a boy, he takes a girl. The person chosen reaches out and takes someone else, they take someone else, and so on, until there is a little boy-girl-boy-girl 'train' walking around inside the circle of chairs. This can go on for as long as the leader wants, even until everyone is picked and the chairs are empty. The thing is, at some point they drop their little object (we played with a white bottle cap on light-colored carpet). The first person to notice the leader has dropped their bottle cap lets go and dives for a chair in the circle. When that happens, it becomes a mad race to get to a chair. Remember, there is one less chair than people, so the person left without a chair is the leader for the next round.
It might sound kindof goofy, but it's alot of fun - not to mention great exercise!

30 Hour Famine - 2012

Victory Rd. is hosting one of World Vision's 30-Hour Famine events April 27th and 28th.

In a nutshell, a 30 Hour Famine is a church, church youth group, or group of youth groups that gets together and fasts (nothing but water, Gatorade/Powerade, or juice) for 30 hours, with the goal of raising money to help feed hungry children around the world, through World Vision's ministry, which is able to feed/care for a child for around $1/day.
During the 30 hours the group spends together, they learn about world hunger and poverty, have worship services, do community service projects, fund-raise, share games and other activities, and/or whatever else the leader(s) of the individual Famines decide(s) their church wants to include in their event.

The Victory Rd. youth group first got interested in doing one of these over a year ago, when we did a video series on Wednesday nights about how young people can make a difference in the world, through the strength of the Lord. One of the groups of young people shown as an example in the series had done a 30 Hour Famine, and for some reason, that idea really seemed to take hold with our kids. So finally, it seems to be becoming a reality.

Bro. Mike has put Archer in charge, as this type of thing is one of his passions, and Bro. Mike is trying to train and insert those in the college group into more positions of leadership.

In all honesty, I'm not entirely sure how I feel about the whole thing. Yes, I believe the Lord wants us to care about and try to relieve the physical sufferings of others. After all, He talks about our Christian duty to care for the orphans, widows, hungry, and poor, in the Bible more than He talks about some other issues we consider so important. I think caring for others in this way is an area the church as a whole has neglected in recent years. I think it is something we need to consider and work on, and get back to where we need to be in fulfilling it.
But.
There is a balance. Yes, Jesus cared many times for the physical needs of others before He preached to them. Before He cared for their spiritual needs. And of course I believe it is perfectly right to follow this example - IF we follow it all the way. I just wish some of those who are agreeable to fund-raising in order to fill a child's empty stomach would also be as agreeable to sacrifice time and comforts to try to fill a person's empty soul.
World Vision seems to be a reputable ministry, committed to providing spiritual nourishment as well as physical. I think it's fine to support them. With their large organization, they can reach many places that we as students could not go.
But how are we as individuals? Are we willing to touch those we CAN? Fellow students, business employees we deal with, family, other friends, etc. It takes a different kind of courage to ask someone if we can share the plan of Salvation with them, than it does to ask someone to donate a dollar or two to feed a hungry child.
And are we as willing to support missionaries who have sacrificed so much to go to another country and preach the Gospel?

Anyway, sorry for all the rambling. But I believe it is important to keep the right focus. And of course, the only heart I am in charge of is my own. I must make sure I'm doing the right things for the right reasons; that my heart and conscience are clear before the Lord. Everyone else must answer for their own actions and motives.

With all this being said, yes, I plan to participate in Victory Rd.'s 30 Hour Famine, at least to a certain extent (I am border-line hypoglycemic and cannot go completely without food for that long). I have been given this opportunity for ministry, and feel the Lord would have me be involved.

May He give me wisdom through this, and may He also increase the urgency for witnessing in the hearts of those involved, fine-tuning in us the balanced approach and mission He set for us as an example.

"5 Small Things Friday" No. 29

Go back and read this post for the story behind "Five Small Things Friday".

For this week, here is my list:

1. Sight: 'My Brown-eyed Boy' And A Friend At Thursday Night Bible Study

2. Hearing: A Bug Buzzing

3. Smell:

4. Taste: Cheetos

5. Touch: A Young Friend Resting Her Head On My Shoulder

The stories behind the list:

1. Several of us have been trying to get 'my brown-eyed boy' to come to our Thursday night college Bible study for a couple of months. He's always said he didn't have a car. Which he doesn't, but we keep telling him someone could pick him up. Well, for whatever the reason, whether he forgets or whatever, he hasn't come. Finally we stopped pestering him about it. He knows he's welcome. Anyway, last night he showed up and brought a friend! They were late, but he said he didn't know what time we started. Anyway, it was such a boost when they walked in! Maybe they'll come back.

2. I was the only one in one end of the house and was sitting doing something quiet, but there was a tiny bug hovering around pestering me. Suddenly, with the quiet and stillness, I noticed a tiny humming/buzzing sound. It was so faint, I knew it was that tiny little bug. And it just got me thinking. If there was any other sound in the room, or even in that end of the house, I would not have been able to hear that miniscule little 'voice' - it would have been intirely drowned. Yet it was humming anyhow. And since everything was quiet, I could hear it.
There has to be an object lesson in that somewhere.

3.

4. I know they are horrible for you, but I love Cheetos. I had a little bag of them I'd been hoarding for a rainy day, and Wednesday (since I wouldn't get supper 'til after church) I took them with me to work. They were SO good! Then during class, I started feeling shaky - I hadn't had much lunch, and then just a snack before church, and I was afraid if I didn't eat something, I wouldn't make it driving back to the house. So after class I went down to the kitchen - there are usually snacks of some kind that people bring and leave for whoever wants them. Guess what I found? A gallon bag of Cheetos! I put me some in a little styrofoam coffee cup (no, I did not eat the whole bag!) and they certainly helped.

5. There is a trio of middle-school girls who comes to various church events at Victory Rd. I'm not sure where they're from or how they got started coming, but they usually come to Thursday morning breakfast, and I think they come on Wednesday night too. I first got to know them at D-Now last year. Anyhow, Trissy and I have been trying to really reach out to them and show them friendship. We get to talk to them at breakfast on Thursday mornings, and try to give them a hug either when they get there or when they start to leave. This Thursday two of them came - the oldest one and the middle one. When everybody was in line, I felt a hand on my arm. I thought it might be one of Mrs. Renae's two girls, but as I turned, she rested her head on my shoulder for a second and I realized it was the oldest of the trio. I smiled at her and reached back and squeezed her fingers on my arm. This is what it's about. Touching another life with the love Christ has shown to us. How I hope and pray my life is acting as a magnet, to draw others - like this dear girl - to the hope and joy only Jesus can give to life.

S.O.A.P. Journaling - Matthew 25:32-40

Date: April 18, 2012
Passage: Matthew 25:32-40

Scripture:
"For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me." Matthew 25:35 and 36

Observation:
Jesus is teaching His disciples on the Mount of Olives. Their first question was about signs that the end of the world was near. After discussing that specific point, Jesus just kept on going, still on the same subject, but pointing out alot more of their responsibilities in relation to that event.
Their response is not recorded, but through other passages, it is evident they took much of what He said and did their best to fulfill the duties He had commissioned them with. Scripture (especially the book of Acts) is full of their acts of kindness toward the seeking, compassion on the hurting, and their provision for each other and other believers' needs.
The author (Matthew) seems to simply be trying to get down on paper the things Jesus said, so that others may have His words. It strikes me as interesting how detailed He was in this particular passage. Jesus listed several area in which Christians are to be compassionate towards others, and Matthew is careful to record even what seems to be the tone Jesus used in stressing the importance of this lifestyle of mercy. I can almost hear the conversation and the gentle urgency in His voice.

Application:
Perhaps this admonition from Christ was preparing the disciples for the idea that salvation would be offered to the Gentiles. The Jews were not friends with Gentiles, and initially, the fact that they too were to have a part of this great gift from God, must have been a very hard pill to swallow. Later though, many of the disciples were used greatly in spreading the Word of God to the non-Jews. Perhaps that's not the main application, but it certainly seems to be a logical one in this context.
So who are the people around me that need my help, but that I am prone to look down my nose at? Who have I snubbed in the past, thereby missing an opportunity to fulfill the verses above? Who do I have trouble with now, that I need to take a second look at, considering how I may be used to help them? How will this affect how I care for all people as my life progresses?
These verses seem to classify as Instruction.
"I will..." work towards a life where my eyes are open to opportunities to help 'the least of these His brethren', feeding the hungry, satisfying the thirsty, showing hospitality to outsiders, clothing those who have little, showing concern for the sick, and visiting those in prison.

Prayer:
"Help me to be tender towards those who need Your love shown to them. Help me be able to show it."

"5 Small Things Friday" No. 28

Go back and read this post for the story behind "Five Small Things Friday".

For this week, here is my list:

1. Sight: Little Plants Growing In A Hole In Our Concrete Basketball Court

2. Hearing: Archer Laughing

3. Smell: The Country In The Spring

4. Taste: A Ripe Dewberry / A Root Beer Float

5. Touch: Kittens

The stories behind the list:

1. For my 18th birthday, Dad put up a basketball goal and poured a concrete slab in front of our garage as a 'court'. We've had the best of times with it! But when the concrete was poured, one of the little .5x1 inch stakes Dad put in it to use as a gauge for levelness got the concrete scraped off the top of it, so when the slab hardened, there was a little wooden spot where the top of the stake was. I called that my 'lucky spot', even though I don't believe in luck and have probably only made two or three baskets from that spot all the years since it was poured! But I still liked that little spot of wood. It finally rotted out, and now there's a little .5x1 inch hole in the court.
Saturday, Dad, Trissy, and I went outside to play some volleyball for a couple of minutes, and as we crossed the 'basketball court', Trissy noticed there were two little weeds growing in that hole. It was like they had taken shelter there in that protected spot (they were hardly tall enough to reach the top of the hole). I just thought it was kind of cute :) .

2. There's a long story here, so if you just want the short version: I locked my keys in my car and Archer laughed at me, but it made me feel good that he was such a good sport, even though I was holding them up.
If you want the whole story, it is told in detail below :)
Ok, so when I first started college, I locked my keys in my car. Alot.
Thankfully, I never had to call the police to open my car. I did it so much that I finally got a string and tied one end to my keys and the other end to one of my belt loops. My problem was that I would pull the keys out of the ignition and drop them on the seat beside me (instead of putting them in my pocket) while I gathered my books or whatever. So I figured if I tied them to me, until I could learn to remember to put them in my pocket, at least this way they'd follow me out of the car!
Well, I finally learned and, until a couple of weeks ago, it had been ages since I'd locked my keys in my car. Well, that Wednesday evening I left work and headed over to the church. As I've mentioned before, the young musician's group practices again on Wednesday about a half hour before playing for class. Well, the last kids were late getting picked up from the school, so I didn't get to leave as early as I like to, and was afraid the others would be waiting on me to practice. As I went to the church, I saw Archer's truck was still at the place he works, so I knew at least I wouldn't be the last one they were waiting on (Archer plays acoustic guitar in the group). But he drove up right after I'd gotten there, so I was hurrying to get in before he did, because the gang picks on me mercilessly if I'm the last one, even if I'm not late (not that I mind - it's all in fun - I just truly don't like to be late. A pet peeve of mine.). Well, I was in such a hurry, you guessed it, I locked my keys in my car. Mom was kind enough to bring the remote when she came to church. But the gang (especially Archer, who knew about my trouble in college) really teased me about locking my keys in my car.
So, on to my mishap this week. It was Tuesday evening this time. I don't usually work on Tuesdays but I did this week because the other girl had an eye doctor's appointment. Anyway, I was late leaving work again, and Mom wanted me to run into Wal*Mart for her between work and music practice. It wasn't until I was finished and crossing the parking lot that I realized I didn't have my keys. Sure enough, I'd dropped them on the seat beside me, locked the doors, and gotten out of the car. I was supposed to be at practice in minutes. I called the house, and Trissy was going to bring the remote, but I knew it would take at least 15 minutes to get into town from our house (it ended up being about 30). Right about 5:00 (the time we meet to practice) Archer called to see if I was coming. I was standing in the front entry of Wal*Mart waiting on Trissy and didn't really want to just say, "Yeah, I locked my keys in my car." where everybody could hear me. So I said, "Yeah, I'm coming, I'm just going to be a little late. You'll never guess what I just did."
"What?" I could tell from the sound of his voice that he already had a pretty good idea. Rascal.
"You wanna guess?"
"You locked your keys in your car?"
"Yeah..."
"BAHAHA! Oh, sorry."
:D His reaction made me laugh even though I felt so bad for holding them up. I told them to go ahead and I would just get there as soon as I could. He said they probably would. But it made me feel alot better for him to be such a good sport about it!

3. I went out to feed the chickens one morning and was washed over with the wonderful smells of the country. The warm smell of the cows across the pasture. The cool smell of the dewy grass under my feet. The freshness of the breeze, and the smell of the warm sun on the tender leaves of the poplar trees. I think if I lived in the city I would die of suffocation.

4. I have two 'taste' things that I really wanted to include this week.
The dewberries are just beginning to ripen here and Trissy picked a little handful one day when she was outside. I didn't care for fresh dewberries 'cause every time someone says, "This one will be good!", it isn't. But I still try every year... So when Trissy offered me one of hers, I took it. That dewberry was perfect!
Thursday we went about an hour away to the closest 'big' town to go to Sams for our bulk groceries. Mom got us root beer floats while we were there. They were so good! Also, there were some people (what looked like a family - maybe the grandparents, parents, and their grown daughters, with a son-in-law) at a couple of the tables beside us, and something about their conversation and mannerisms made me wonder if they were believers in the Lord. They seemed like kind of interesting people, like maybe from up north. But they seemed like neat people too. They acted like they might have been traveling, but I would have liked to meet them and talk to them. If they are Christians, I guess I will - one day!

5. Magnolia had four kittens: two boys and two girls. One has short, black, sleek fur like her, two have fuzzy dark charcoal gray fur, and the other one has striped gray and black fluffy-ish fur. If you want one (or two, or three, or four), let us know ;) !
She's got them in a cardboard box of camping gear in the loft of our metal garden/storage shed. I don't think I'd ever realized that really young kittens are actually kind of ugly. Their heads are huge, their necks are long, their legs stick out everywhere, and they have monster toenails. But they are so soft and cuddly too!

"Squash And Green Peas'" Woven Labels

Today, this wonderful little package arrived in the mail, all the way from Hong Kong! And alot sooner than I thought it would too. Look at those wonderful stamps! I don't think I had any from Hong Kong in my collection yet.


My first Etsy purchase: An order of woven labels from the World Wide Label shop to put on my products - clothing, iPod covers, pillows, just about anything out of fabric, scarves and hats and other knitted or crocheted items, etc.




I can hardly wait to get started! I've been waiting to make my "MEGS" until I'd gotten my labels to put on them. What are MEGS, you ask? Well, you'll just have to wait and find out *snickers* :) !

If you ever have a need for woven labels, I would definitely recommend this shop! They worked with me, e-mailing back and forth until I was satisfied with the design and other details of my order. And I received the labels in a great time frame.
Check them out at World Wide Label.

And as always, I'd love to have you visit my Etsy shop, Squash And Green Peas!

"5 Small Things Friday" No. 27

Note: Yes, I know I am weeks behind on my "Five Small Things Friday" posts. Just FYI, I have drafts for each of the missing weeks that just need to be finished and published. I'm working on it :) .

Go back and read this post for the story behind "Five Small Things Friday".

For this week, here is my list:

1. Sight: Maxwell Laughing

2. Hearing: 'Hallelujah, What A Savior' On Wednesday Night

3. Smell: Craft Paint / 'Fantastic Friday'

4. Taste: Vanilla Frosting

5. Touch: A Little Hand

The stories behind the list:

1. Last night we had a choir rehearsal for our Easter cantata at Victory Rd. Mrs. Carrie was sick and couldn't come, but Bro. Dennis brought little Maxwell anyway, to the delight of pretty much everyone :) . One of the women was tickling his feet, and he was laughing like he thought it was the funniest thing on earth! It seems like he is usually so solemn and focused on absorbing everything, and if he was cute before, he is delicious when he laughs!

2. One of the songs we picked out to do Wednesday night was 'Hallelujah, What A Savior', but when we were practicing Tuesday night, the key was really high, even for Julia (she's a pretty amazing soprano). And she didn't know the song very well either, so the whole thing was kind of shaky. Even Wednesday, when we practiced again before class, she couldn't figure out when to come in at a certain point. We were all kind of discouraged I think. She listened to a recording of it again, and said she thought she might have it, but we hadn't been through the song all the way through once, and it was time to go to class.
The part she was having a hard time on had only one chord, so when we did that song and got to that part, we just kept playing the same chord until she jumped in. It wasn't at the right spot exactly, but with all the trouble we'd been having, she did a really good job and it flowed seamlessly.
Even though it wouldn't really have been that big of a deal if we'd fallen flat on our faces, that feeling of having worked together and done a good job was still a really good one.

3. I was painting an art canvas as a gift for a friend yesterday (more on that later) and all-of-a-sudden when I opened one of the bottles of paint, the smell of it brought back memories of my time in grade school with the homeschool support group we were members of where we lived then. It met on Fridays and was called 'Fantastic Friday' :) . So many good memories... Little friends. Kind teachers. Field trips, science fairs, reading programs and spelling competitions. And art/craft time. Probably one of my favorite parts. That paint smelled just like the art room at Fantastic Friday - so good!
And no, I don't sniff paint. Why do you ask?

4. I'm one of those strange country people who 'swears' by home cookin', but once in a while betrays that tradition and falls for something boxed or canned from the store. The vanilla frosting out of the plastic cans is the best icing in the world. It can beat any powdered-sugar, butter-cream, almond, cream-cheese heirloom icing recipe ever home-made. Just saying. And Wal*Mart's brand is better than Pillsbury.
Last week was Justice's birthday and he and Noel came down for a quick visit Sunday. Henley (who is a cake decorator) was commissioned to make a cake for him for our Sunday night college fellowship, and had some of that icing left over. She sent it home with us. Score!

5. This past week we had some family come visit from out west, including three darling little great-cousins. The middle little girl - talk about being grown at four! But so pretty they made you want to squeeze them :) ! I was 'taking a nap' one of the afternoons they were here... well, actually, I was trying to take a nap one of the afternoons they were here. I never got very far :) . Even though I closed my eyes and pretended to be asleep, little fingers snuggled up into my hand and stole my heart.

S.O.A.P. Journaling - Introduction

Last Wednesday night in the young people's class, Bro. Mike reminded us about a little method of Bible study he had talked to the class about the Sunday night before (the youth have a separate class from the adults on Sunday nights as well as Wednesday nights, but I go in with the adults on Sundays so had not heard about it until Wednesday). He called it 'S.O.A.P. Journaling' and encouraged the ones who had not gotten one of the hand-outs to get one and try it out in their personal devotion time.
I got one of the bookmark-sized papers and read over it, and though I have not actually done it entirely yet, it looks like a very good and helpful method to use, or at least to incorporate into one's personal Bible study time. I hope to start soon.
I thought maybe when I start it, I would record my journalings here on my blog. As an introduction (and in case anyone reading may want to use it themselves), I am posting the instructions and suggestions from the little hand-out:


S.O.A.P. Journaling

Journaling is an excellent way to both record and process what God has spoken to us through His Word. It’s also a useful tool to use at a later time, to reflect on and review some of the spiritual "nuggets" that you have received. Without writing them down, you may forget those blessings and some very important lessons! It may be helpful to create a log at the front of your journal that helps you find a particular journal entry in the future that spoke to you. You could include: Date/Passage/Main Idea/Topic/… along with the page #. May God’s Word rule and reign in your heart as we learn together to live the Word and be more like Jesus.

S – SCRIPTURE – Select the passage of Scripture for today’s reading. Take time reading and allow God to speak to you. When you are done, look for a verse that particularly spoke to you that day, and write it in your journal. It may not be an entire verse. It may be a phrase or even a single word.

O – OBSERVATION – Who was this passage written to? Why? What was their response? What instruction has been given? Ask as many questions as you can about the passage and surrounding context. What is the author’s main point or emphasis on this particular scripture? Paraphrase what you believe the main point of this passage is saying.

A – APPLICATION – Ask yourself how the Scripture and Observations applied to the people who were in the context of what was read. Now ask yourself, "What can I learn from this and how does it apply to my life both in the past, present, and future?". Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, revelation of a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life. Write down how you would obey this scripture in your life today. "I will..."

P – PRAYER – This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Remember, prayer is a two way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say! Now, write it out and ask by His Spirit that He would empower you to be faithful to His Word.

~Acknowledgments: Wayne Cordeiro

Thoughts On: Persecution

Sunday morning's music service a couple of weeks ago seemed especially poignant somehow. The impact of it has not gone away, and I think it is worth making note of.
From the expressions on many faces, I think others felt it too, and Mrs. Renae mentioned it the next Wednesday night in class. Perhaps it was the exceptional songs, rich with musical excellence, but more importantly, with deep theological meaning:
"Jesus Messiah"
"There Are No Orphans Of God"
"You Are My King"
"Refiner's Fire"
"Beneath The Cross Of Jesus"
and "Amazing Love"
There was a strong sense of unity and oneness among the people there, and the Spirit of the Lord seemed to be infused into the very air as we sang for and to Him. It was an amazing time! The kind of Sunday morning that you remember for years, and pull out of your cranial file cabinet periodically to savor and enjoy again.
But I also had a strange keen feeling of something like sadness - a bitter/sweet premonition-like feeling that moments like this would soon be only precious memories. I don't have any idea, of course, how long religious freedom will still be ours, but I often wonder how long it will be - and how prepared we will be - when the Christ-followers here in America will be forced to meet secretly because of the hatred against us, and the danger we are in. So many dear believers are now, in other countries, suffering for the sake of our Lord, and if we are truly His, it will come to us eventually.
I pray often, so often, that if it comes in the lifetime of the Victory Rd. members, that we will be strong and courageous, loving, humble, and brave, willing to suffer or die if need be, for each other and for Christ. That our God will give us the wisdom to know when to hide and when to be bold, and the courage to face whatever comes with joy and strength - most of all, that we will be ready, and will stay true to Him.
Trissy and I both sing in the choir at Victory Rd., and that Sunday morning as these and similar thoughts passed through my mind, as the rich words of the precious hymns lifted with all the voices, my eyes rested on face after dear face in the audience before me and on the platform beside me. And as I thought of what we may eventually face, it was all I could do to keep the emotions that were welling up inside me from spilling out in full force. For, though I had seen tears in the eyes of several others in the congregation, when I looked over and saw both Mrs. Shannen and Bro. Earl with tears running down their faces, the ones trickling down mine threatened to become a flood.

The thought of suffering for the sake of Christ is, in a strange way, both exciting and terrifying. Peter, Paul, and so many other of the great heroes of the Faith counted it something to be thankful for - that they were thought worthy to suffer horrible tortures from others, for Jesus' name's sake. And what an honor if the Lord should think me and my dear people worthy! Yet the thought of it also horrifies me!
I've heard that it's easier to go through a difficult time oneself, than to see someone you love suffer, and I can believe it. When I consider the possibility of some of those I love being viciously persecuted for their Faith in Christ, I am overcome with sadness.

Though for this season God has blessed us in America with freedom to worship and serve Him, I believe we should be prepared for the possibility of losing that blessing. I also believe we should be working for His cause with all the hope and zeal and anticipation of a revival! The apostle Paul thought the Lord would come back in his lifetime and that was two thousand years ago! We may have hundreds of years yet!
Either way, we must be ready to give an answer, to serve others and to serve Christ with love and bravery, and to do this to the best of our ability and with the height of our potential.
And we must never forget to be thankful for and to cherish each precious moment with all of our heart!

The music part of the service ended, and the musicians and singers went to their seats. When I got to our pew, I got a pen and the morning's bulletin and wrote:
"Dear God keep us true!! Whatever comes, keep us true!!
Dear God help us cherish these moments with all our hearts, so that when they are gone, we may revisit this holy place & receive strength."

I believe it was that very afternoon, as we were at The Grandparents' house for Sunday dinner, that Trissy went into their living room to the old upright piano and began playing hymns. The only one she got through before lunch was ready was "When I Can Read My Title Clear". Fitting, don't you think? Funny how the Lord works little things like that out.

For anyone who may not know this precious old hymn, and would like to benefit from the words, I've included them here:

"When I can read my title clear
To mansions in the skies,
I bid farewell to every fear,
And wipe my weeping eyes.
And wipe my weeping eyes,
And wipe my weeping eyes
I bid farewell to every fear,
And wipe my weeping eyes.

Should earth against my soul engage,
And hellish darts be hurled,
Then I can smile at Satan’s rage,
And face a frowning world.
And face a frowning world,
And face a frowning world,
Then I can smile at Satan’s rage,
And face a frowning world.

Let cares, like a wild deluge come,
And storms of sorrow fall!
May I but safely reach my home,
My God, my heav’n, my All.
My God, my heav’n, my All,
My God, my heav’n, my All,
May I but safely reach my home,
My God, my heav’n, my All.

There shall I bathe my weary soul
In seas of heav’nly rest,
And not a wave of trouble roll
Across my peaceful breast.
Across my peaceful breast,
Across my peaceful breast,
And not a wave of trouble roll
Across my peaceful breast."

SOLI DEO GLORIA!

-Kyrie<><

"5 Small Things Friday" No. 26

Go back and read this post for the story behind "Five Small Things Friday".

For this week, here is my list:

1. Sight: Bright Blue Skies And Gray-bottomed Clouds

2. Hearing: The Mower Running

3. Smell: A Spring Morning

4. Taste: Cream Cheese And Chives Crackers

5. Touch: Shower After Mowing

The stories behind the list:

1. I love rain and I love thunderstorms. Recently though, we've been having alot of over-cast weather, and after two days of rain and storm, those bright blue skies and fluffy clouds were quite refreshing.

2. The first sound of the mower means summer is here.

3. Such a glorious, fresh, vibrant spring morning! The air was rich with the earthy smells of the country - the warm, loamy scent of cows, the cool, fresh spring breeze, and the spicy smell of dew on the green things in the garden. The sun was warm and golden, and the birds were trilling their diverse tunes with all the enthusiasm of their happy hearts. In short, it was the type of morning that, being out in it, you felt truly alive!

4. Not at all healthy, but the little packages of cream cheese and chives snack crackers are so tasty!

5. I mowed pretty much all day Thursday. We have a big yard - a Southern, country yard, meaning lots of sun, 'grass' that used to be a hayfield, random ant hills, a sandy-dirt-and-gravel driveway, etc. I love to mow - it's like therapy for me. But I also love the shower I get to take when I'm finished :) .