I am not at all in the habit of using the word "awesome" to describe things, but in light of the great blessing the Lord gave me in this Sunday, I think it's almost worthy of the word.
The morning dawned beautifully. I went up to The Grandparents' to fix their breakfast (we've been taking turns doing that - it makes it easier for them on a busy morning trying to get ready for church), and the air had a little chill in it, but the sunshine was warm and sweet.
I finished helping them, and came back to the house, in high spirits and ready for my own breakfast, looking forward to a morning at the Lord's house. Later as I was getting ready, I got a message from Noel, reminding everyone that this morning was the start of Justice's New Testament Survey Sunday school class, and I felt an even greater expectation!
Justice was making the class available to whoever wanted to take it in the church, not just the college class, so Dad and Mom had signed up to take it as well. Because it was going to be more people than usual, we were going to meet in the larger classroom downstairs under the youth room, in the gym across the street from the church building. We were running a little late, so we parked in the small lot behind the church (closer to the gym), and as Dad and Mom gathered their Bibles and things, they told Trissy and me to go ahead and go to the classroom, so Justice would know we were there and on our way.
Trissy and I started across the little lot behind the church building, toward the street that separates the church from the gym and it's parking lot and the big, empty, grassy lot that also serves as spare parking space. The morning sun was beautiful, the air was crisp and clear, and we strolled along breathing deeply of the Spring sweetness.
Trissy suddenly called my attention to a tall young figure crossing the grassy lot quite a ways ahead of us. It was Law, heading to his Sunday School class in the youth room.
"There goes Mr. S." she commented, smiling.
I looked up. "Mmhmm" I hadn't noticed him yet, but his bright red polo made him hard to miss.
He strode along comfortably with a firm, unhurried step, his shoulders straight and his head up, moving gently, as if he were enjoying the beautiful morning. Less than a year ago, he would have ambled indifferently along, his shoulders slumped a little forward, and his gaze for the most part turned downward.
Taking note of the difference, my heart felt fit to burst with thankfulness for the Lord's work in that young heart.
Justice was the only one in the classroom when we walked in, but his mom was right behind us, then Noel, Autumn, and Aron's cousin's husband. Toby hobbled in, his leg in a brace after surgery for a torn ACL, and another older couple filled out the class. Justice said Austin was going to be leading the music service this morning, and he was getting the last details taken care of, so he and Ava might be late. We went ahead and started, but they came in pretty soon.
It was a good class, and I think we're going to learn alot. And such a wonderful, comfortable, combination of old times and new times! The thought kept running through my mind, "This is so right. This feels so right."
Later in the choir room, as the choir members trickled in, Lindsay (who has been singing with us off-and-on for several months) came up to me, said good morning, and shyly gave me what I call a 'greeting hug' (which I kindof explain in this post :) ). As she stepped back, she said, in her soft feminine way, 'You look pretty today. Well,' she paused and tilted her head as if correcting herself, 'you always look pretty. I love your hair.'
I was caught off guard.
'Aw,' I kindof ducked my head, and smiled in confusion, 'Thank you!'
I didn't know what to say! I was completely taken by surprise. Seldom am I told that I am pretty - which is convenient, because I know it's not true, and it's nice to not have to try to come up with a polite response.
But coming from a modern teen-age girl, it meant so much - to think that maybe I had been able to influence her enough as a friend for her to want to reach back out to me in her own way.
As the choir walked out in our single-file line, I saw that, not only was Austin leading, but the instruments were switched up too.
Usually, Bro. Blake leads, Lydia plays acoustic guitar, Austin is on electric, and Bro. Dennis on bass, with Simon on drums, and a young woman of the church (whose husband is a veterinarian - just a random FYI fact :) ) plays the piano. This morning though, Austin was playing acoustic guitar (in addition to leading the singing), Bro. Dennis was on electric, and Law on bass! I don't think Law has been on bass for a Sunday morning service since Bro. Blake was put in charge of the music. Simon was still on drums and the lady on the piano, but Bro. Blake was incorporating some extra percussion (tambourine and cajon) that isn't usually used.
Walking out and seeing this setup rejoiced my heart.
And the service just kept getting better as we began to sing.
My heart was so glad. I kept getting that thought again, "This is right. This is so right."
I know that, as a child of God, my joy is not dependent on my circumstances. The Lord never changes; He remains the amazing, caring, dependable, trustworthy Friend that He was when I first met Him. He will never go somewhere where I cannot be around Him anymore. He will never disappoint me. He will never make a mistake or let me down. He is always available to put His arms around me and let me lean into Him. He is the true source of anything good or enjoyable that is part of my life. HE is.
And yet I would be denying a fact of life if I tried to pretend that circumstances do not influence the way a Christian feels. Christians are not immune to sorrow or happiness. They are just as prone to emotion, doubt, struggle, and soaring victory as a person is who does not know God. The difference is that we have the Lord as our Friend and help. He guides us and helps us through difficult, as well as victorious times. And He uses both the really hard and the really great times to mold us into who He wants us to be.
Today was one of those really great days.
I guess pretty much the only thing that happened to mar the beauty of the day, was choir practice.
There were alot of people out, I guess because of Spring Break, and it was a really small crowd. There were only two in the 'men' (tenor and bass) section, and those were the two fifth-grade boys who have been singing with us for the past couple of months. I sing tenor, so when I went up into the choir, I sat by them.
I'm thankful to say that Bro. Dennis still comes and sings in the choir, even though he technically doesn't even have to be there anymore. There's usually at least one other man that is there to sing tenor, but he wasn't there this afternoon. So when Bro. Dennis came in a little late, I moved over a space, so he could sit next to the boys.
I pretty much couldn't concentrate the rest of practice. We were working on songs from a book Bro. Dennis had used with us last year. And here he was, in the choir instead of leading it. Sitting next to me, and yet a stranger. The man who taught me as much (probably more) about practical Christian living, about how to knowledgeably yet respectfully defend the Faith, about choosing joy, about reliance on and faith in the sovereignty of God, than any other preacher or teacher I've ever had. One of my heroes of the Faith. Just, gone.
I didn't feel that bitter piercing pain, only a dull sad ache. How I wished that I dared turn to him and say simply, "I miss you."
Of course I didn't, but I couldn't help but wonder, what would happen if I did? Inside, my heart spoke quietly on; quiet, but so deeply hurting. "I miss you. Why did you leave? Where did you go? Will you ever come back? I know you're still in there somewhere. Aren't you? Do you even exist anymore? Deep down, are you still in there, or is this stranger here to stay? To replace you? Please come back. I miss you. And I'm not the only one. Do you not see the pain in the eyes of others here who love you?"
My mind wandered to memories of happy choir practices only a couple of years ago. When Bro. Jack and Mrs. Janet, Bro. Mike and Camille, Mrs Carrie, Mrs. Renae, and Bro. Blake were still in it. When laughter and music were strong because they went together. When Bro. Dennis's merry heart and musical knowledge refused to be beaten by our amateurity, and he'd whip us into shape with his wit and talent.
Yeah, choir practice was really hard.
But aside from that, the rest of the evening was pleasant. And after church, our college fellowship supper was at Austin and Ava's. They made spaghetti together - dear Ava's biggest source of remorse is the fact that she can't cook. But she's serious about learning, and her experiments so far have turned out quite well. I hate to be at someone's house without helping out somehow, so she put me and Aron's little cousin to making garlic bread. Aron, Henley, and Timothy were there, Aron's cousin and her husband, toddler son, and little sister, Justice and Noel and Justice's younger brother Tanner, Austin and Ava of course, and me. Trissy was tired out from a long week of school, so she didn't go.
It seemed like such a small group, but it was pleasant and relaxing.
After supper, the guys were outside trying to fix Tanner's truck that wouldn't start, Aron and Henley and Aron's cousin's family had already left to get the kids to bed, and Noel was watching the progress on the truck. I made Ava let me help her clean the kitchen, and we had a good talk about plans for the future, how God uses events in our lives, and how He's been working recently, as I washed and she dried and put away the dishes.
We were nearly done. The guys had gotten Tanner's truck running, and they came in to see how we were getting along before Justice, Noel, and Tanner said goodnight and left.
I finished drying the salad tongs that had been used to serve the spaghetti noodles, and asked where they were supposed to be put. Austin opened a drawer.
"Oh. These are salad tongs." I said as I put them in, pretending to just then figure out their use. "Salad tongs." I emphasized to Austin, waving my hands under his nose as he bent to shut the drawer.
'Yeah, that's why we're using them for spaghetti,' he returned, completely unruffled. Austin does not like vegetables.
Ava spoke up from where she was putting up the plates. 'Austin doesn't really eat salads.' She made a disapproving face.
'Don't worry,' I reassured her, as Austin took the towel from me to dry his hands and I turned back to the sink for another dish. 'We'll convert him yet.'
Austin finished drying his hands. 'Good luck,' he replied. He draped the towel over my shoulder, patted it sympathetically, and left the kitchen. Ava and I looked at each other and chuckled.
I enjoyed the drive back to the house, tired but happily reliving the memories of the wonderful day. I turned off the highway onto our dirt road and drove slowly up the little hill, savoring the sight of the bright summer stars above the cool smoothness of the pasture grass on my left. I turned into our drive on the right and parked, got out, and walked back to the end of the drive - which faces that pasture - and stood at the end, staring up at the stars. The air had that delicate yet hardy touch of cool-in-warmth that is so typical of Spring evenings. It wasn't cool, it wasn't warm, it was fresh and it was perfect. I saw the tiny blinking lights of two airplanes and the darting path of a shooting star. My heart was so full.
I stood there quite a while, wishing I could look for hours, and resolving that I was going to spend the night sleeping under the stars some day.
When I turned to go back to the house though, the picture that met my sight touched my heart just as strongly as the one I was turning from, though in a completely different way.
Our house (it's actually a double-wide trailer that Dad's improved and built on to), sits back a little from the dirt road. The front outside light was on, and the big oak in our front yard was a radiating silhouette, lit up magically by the light behind it. The windows of the house glowed a cozy golden. My steps made a satisfying crunching sound on the gravelly drive, and my heart was leaning considerably to the lighter side as I went in.
Showing posts with label Bro. Blake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bro. Blake. Show all posts
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Monday, April 1, 2013
Easter - 2013
The day began beautifully, with Dad, Trissy and me attending the Easter Sunrise Service in the parking lot of The Grandparents' church. It was a lovely morning - fresh, and a little chilly. There was a deep fog overhead and curling around the trees in the woods at the edges of the church property, but the sun was coming up high behind the mist, making our atmosphere under the fog bright, cool, and full of a sort of 'wondering'.
The dear song leader, who's been at that church since my childhood, led us acapella in the hymn, "He Lives" and our lifted voices sounded small in the lovely space of the outdoors.
The dear pastor then stood to preach. He'd been a missionary in Albania years ago, at the same time Uncle Alvin and his family had been there. They'd become friends, and his family and ours never lost contact. Now he's the pastor of the church The Grandparents are members of. A Godly man, and a tall, big man; he's always struck me as one of those "larger-than-life" types that legends and stories might have been written about in the old days. And what a heart for good and for God!
He used 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 as the Scripture reference, and spoke on "the evidence, the essence, and the effect" of the Gospel.
My (somewhat limited) sermon notes:
"
Bro. _____ ______
Easter Morning - Mar. 31, 2013
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
1) The Essence of the Gospel
* What is the Gospel? The Gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
* Christians have Hope.
* All other religious leaders (the creators of all the other major religions) are in their graves still.
* We serve a risen Savior!
2) The Evidence of the Gospel
* He was seen of Cephas (verse 5)
* then of the twelve (verse 5)
* then of more than 500 at once (verse 6).
* How many witnesses do you need?!
* Blessed are those who have not seen, but believe (John 20:29).
* Our present-day Salvation is just as real as their encounters with Him then.
* He's alive, and He's still 'in business' today.
3) The Effect of the Gospel
* verses 2a and 10
* What does God want for/from/through you/your life?
* None of us is living out the full effect of Christ in our lives.
"
It was the first "sunrise service" I'd been to in years; probably the first since my family moved from that church years ago. It was so good to experience one again!
When we got back to our house, Trissy and I quickly ate breakfast and hurried on to Victory Rd. - we were singing in the choir for the Easter program, and Bro. Blake wanted all the choir members to be there early. Dad and Mom would come closer to time for the service to start.
It was a good morning. The morning was still foggy, but bright, as choir members arrived one by one. We convened in the choir room, greeting each other and laughing as we found our formal Easter- and Christmas-Program choir robes and slipped them on over our Sunday outfits, adjusting the reversible collars so the mauve side showed and they hung straight. Bro. Blake led us in an acapella run-through of the first song as a warm-up. People began arriving and filling the auditorium, soon it was time to start, and we lined up and filed out into the choir as we do every Sunday morning.
Bro. Blake led the congregation in the hymn "Because He Lives", and then the choir began our presentation. I think it went the best it has of all our practices and everything! It's a great cantata, using strong songs like "What Held You On The Cross", "The Story Goes On", and "Crucified With Christ". The Lord blessed Bro. Blake to direct us, and our voices to blend and harmonize and soar high, and I hope those who heard it received as big of a blessing from it as I did!
When our program ended, Bro. Jeremiah preached a stirring and victorious sermon about how we, as Christians, have joy and victory and fulfillment in life because of "the third day" - when Jesus our Lord rose from the grave!!
One of my co-workers from the restaurant was there with her grandparents (who are members of Victory Rd.) and as soon as I could after church was over, I went to hug her and talk a few minutes, and say hello to her little two-year-old son. I was so glad to see her! I don't think she knows the Lord - she doesn't live like it anyway - and I want so badly to be a Christian friend and example to her. I hope and pray she soon will accept Jesus's love and peace for herself.
Dear Toby was at church, even with his leg in a brace, and though he had to hobble in on crutches. Lindy sat with him and his family, lending her sweet touch and support. Poor guy, his mom said he's been trying to not take so much of the pain medicine, and he was hurting pretty bad by the time church was over. Between him and Russell (who was home for Easter and is practically an adopted member of that family), after church that pew was pretty much surrounded for a while with church members glad to see those two boys back - wanting to say hello to Russell and express sympathy over Toby's knee.
Trissy had found out that Bro. Nick and Lydia didn't have any plans for the rest of the day, so after a brainstorm, a request to Dad and Mom to invite them over for dinner and the afternoon, and a spur-of-the-moment affirmative decision by our parents, Trissy and I swung by their house as we left the church. We caught them about to leave for lunch, but when we presented our proposition, they gladly accepted.
We had two of the local cousins (Uncle Alvin's oldest son and daughter who live only about 45 minutes away. The son's wife was sick, and the daughter's husband had to work, so they weren't there.) and their children and Bro. Nick and Lydia's family all at The Grandparents for lunch. After cleaning up the kitchen, we sat around and chatted and visited and fellowshipped, while all the kids had a wonderful time together playing in The Grandparents big yard, and in the playhouse that Dad built for Trissy and me when we were small.
Bro. Nick and Lydia left fairly early in the afternoon, but some of the cousins stuck around. Evening church services were canceled at both Victory Rd. and The Grandparents' church (which seems absolutely ridiculous to me - the most important holiday in our Christian faith and church services are canceled?! Makes no sense...), so we spent the rest of the day at The Grandparents, just spending time together.
Most of the adults found a couch or chair or a spot on the floor and curled up with a throw pillow and blanket for a nap. The kids that weren't put down for a nap played outside or read or colored quietly.
Sitting at the computer blogging, I looked over and noticed my cousin's almost-thirteen-year-old son had a thick book with him where he was curled up on the couch, and asked him what he was reading. It was "The Chronicles of Narnia" by C. S. Lewis, in one volume. We got started talking about books and authors and styles, and I found out some of his thoughts and opinions on different ones. It was a really great conversation! Come to think of it, we had several really fun conversations throughout the day! He helped The Grandmother get the TV in the living room fixed so that they could watch videos and DVDs on it, and it hasn't worked in months; and over lunch he showed me this neat math trick with nine squares drawn on a piece of paper. I remember when that kid was born, and to see him now growing up so smart and with such good tastes is just such a happy feeling!
When everyone started getting up from naps, the kids asked The Grandmother if they could watch an episode of "Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye" (she has the collection on DVD). Soon the house was humming again - some sitting around the kitchen table looking at pictures and discussing Pinterest ideas, some watching Sue Thomas in the living room (I joined this group and sat and crocheted while watching the show), some raiding the kitchen for a snack from the lunch left-overs, and some of the littlest kiddos still napping on the den floor.
It was a peaceful, fun afternoon that faded to an enjoyable evening.
Trissy wasn't feeling good, so as people began getting ready for bed (one of the cousin's and her kids decided to spend the night), I took her back to our house and then went back to help Mom finish cleaning up. On my way back, I flipped on the radio and heard "I Know My Redeemer Lives", one of the songs from one of the cantatas we did at Victory Rd. several years ago (That seems strange to say, "several years ago". Strange to think we've been at Victory Rd. long enough to be able to say it). Probably my favorite of the Easter cantatas we've done. As I pulled up to The Grandparents' garage, that song ended and the next one started. It was "Great I Am". Sigh.
Mom was still talking with my cousin, so I finished gathering our things and loading up our food and all into our van, then sat and listened to their conversation until Mom was ready to go. Not that I was anti-social or anything, it had just been a long day, I'd been missing alot of sleep lately, and I was really tired.
When we got back to the house, I helped Mom unload everything, got a couple of sheets, and sank into the recliner in our living room. I was so tired, I didn't even want to change out of my regular clothes into pajamas so I could sleep in my bed. But I went to sleep with a full, grateful heart, and slept probably the best I have in weeks.
The dear song leader, who's been at that church since my childhood, led us acapella in the hymn, "He Lives" and our lifted voices sounded small in the lovely space of the outdoors.
The dear pastor then stood to preach. He'd been a missionary in Albania years ago, at the same time Uncle Alvin and his family had been there. They'd become friends, and his family and ours never lost contact. Now he's the pastor of the church The Grandparents are members of. A Godly man, and a tall, big man; he's always struck me as one of those "larger-than-life" types that legends and stories might have been written about in the old days. And what a heart for good and for God!
He used 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 as the Scripture reference, and spoke on "the evidence, the essence, and the effect" of the Gospel.
My (somewhat limited) sermon notes:
"
Bro. _____ ______
Easter Morning - Mar. 31, 2013
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
1) The Essence of the Gospel
* What is the Gospel? The Gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
* Christians have Hope.
* All other religious leaders (the creators of all the other major religions) are in their graves still.
* We serve a risen Savior!
2) The Evidence of the Gospel
* He was seen of Cephas (verse 5)
* then of the twelve (verse 5)
* then of more than 500 at once (verse 6).
* How many witnesses do you need?!
* Blessed are those who have not seen, but believe (John 20:29).
* Our present-day Salvation is just as real as their encounters with Him then.
* He's alive, and He's still 'in business' today.
3) The Effect of the Gospel
* verses 2a and 10
* What does God want for/from/through you/your life?
* None of us is living out the full effect of Christ in our lives.
"
It was the first "sunrise service" I'd been to in years; probably the first since my family moved from that church years ago. It was so good to experience one again!
When we got back to our house, Trissy and I quickly ate breakfast and hurried on to Victory Rd. - we were singing in the choir for the Easter program, and Bro. Blake wanted all the choir members to be there early. Dad and Mom would come closer to time for the service to start.
It was a good morning. The morning was still foggy, but bright, as choir members arrived one by one. We convened in the choir room, greeting each other and laughing as we found our formal Easter- and Christmas-Program choir robes and slipped them on over our Sunday outfits, adjusting the reversible collars so the mauve side showed and they hung straight. Bro. Blake led us in an acapella run-through of the first song as a warm-up. People began arriving and filling the auditorium, soon it was time to start, and we lined up and filed out into the choir as we do every Sunday morning.
Bro. Blake led the congregation in the hymn "Because He Lives", and then the choir began our presentation. I think it went the best it has of all our practices and everything! It's a great cantata, using strong songs like "What Held You On The Cross", "The Story Goes On", and "Crucified With Christ". The Lord blessed Bro. Blake to direct us, and our voices to blend and harmonize and soar high, and I hope those who heard it received as big of a blessing from it as I did!
When our program ended, Bro. Jeremiah preached a stirring and victorious sermon about how we, as Christians, have joy and victory and fulfillment in life because of "the third day" - when Jesus our Lord rose from the grave!!
One of my co-workers from the restaurant was there with her grandparents (who are members of Victory Rd.) and as soon as I could after church was over, I went to hug her and talk a few minutes, and say hello to her little two-year-old son. I was so glad to see her! I don't think she knows the Lord - she doesn't live like it anyway - and I want so badly to be a Christian friend and example to her. I hope and pray she soon will accept Jesus's love and peace for herself.
Dear Toby was at church, even with his leg in a brace, and though he had to hobble in on crutches. Lindy sat with him and his family, lending her sweet touch and support. Poor guy, his mom said he's been trying to not take so much of the pain medicine, and he was hurting pretty bad by the time church was over. Between him and Russell (who was home for Easter and is practically an adopted member of that family), after church that pew was pretty much surrounded for a while with church members glad to see those two boys back - wanting to say hello to Russell and express sympathy over Toby's knee.
Trissy had found out that Bro. Nick and Lydia didn't have any plans for the rest of the day, so after a brainstorm, a request to Dad and Mom to invite them over for dinner and the afternoon, and a spur-of-the-moment affirmative decision by our parents, Trissy and I swung by their house as we left the church. We caught them about to leave for lunch, but when we presented our proposition, they gladly accepted.
We had two of the local cousins (Uncle Alvin's oldest son and daughter who live only about 45 minutes away. The son's wife was sick, and the daughter's husband had to work, so they weren't there.) and their children and Bro. Nick and Lydia's family all at The Grandparents for lunch. After cleaning up the kitchen, we sat around and chatted and visited and fellowshipped, while all the kids had a wonderful time together playing in The Grandparents big yard, and in the playhouse that Dad built for Trissy and me when we were small.
Bro. Nick and Lydia left fairly early in the afternoon, but some of the cousins stuck around. Evening church services were canceled at both Victory Rd. and The Grandparents' church (which seems absolutely ridiculous to me - the most important holiday in our Christian faith and church services are canceled?! Makes no sense...), so we spent the rest of the day at The Grandparents, just spending time together.
Most of the adults found a couch or chair or a spot on the floor and curled up with a throw pillow and blanket for a nap. The kids that weren't put down for a nap played outside or read or colored quietly.
Sitting at the computer blogging, I looked over and noticed my cousin's almost-thirteen-year-old son had a thick book with him where he was curled up on the couch, and asked him what he was reading. It was "The Chronicles of Narnia" by C. S. Lewis, in one volume. We got started talking about books and authors and styles, and I found out some of his thoughts and opinions on different ones. It was a really great conversation! Come to think of it, we had several really fun conversations throughout the day! He helped The Grandmother get the TV in the living room fixed so that they could watch videos and DVDs on it, and it hasn't worked in months; and over lunch he showed me this neat math trick with nine squares drawn on a piece of paper. I remember when that kid was born, and to see him now growing up so smart and with such good tastes is just such a happy feeling!
When everyone started getting up from naps, the kids asked The Grandmother if they could watch an episode of "Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye" (she has the collection on DVD). Soon the house was humming again - some sitting around the kitchen table looking at pictures and discussing Pinterest ideas, some watching Sue Thomas in the living room (I joined this group and sat and crocheted while watching the show), some raiding the kitchen for a snack from the lunch left-overs, and some of the littlest kiddos still napping on the den floor.
It was a peaceful, fun afternoon that faded to an enjoyable evening.
Trissy wasn't feeling good, so as people began getting ready for bed (one of the cousin's and her kids decided to spend the night), I took her back to our house and then went back to help Mom finish cleaning up. On my way back, I flipped on the radio and heard "I Know My Redeemer Lives", one of the songs from one of the cantatas we did at Victory Rd. several years ago (That seems strange to say, "several years ago". Strange to think we've been at Victory Rd. long enough to be able to say it). Probably my favorite of the Easter cantatas we've done. As I pulled up to The Grandparents' garage, that song ended and the next one started. It was "Great I Am". Sigh.
Mom was still talking with my cousin, so I finished gathering our things and loading up our food and all into our van, then sat and listened to their conversation until Mom was ready to go. Not that I was anti-social or anything, it had just been a long day, I'd been missing alot of sleep lately, and I was really tired.
When we got back to the house, I helped Mom unload everything, got a couple of sheets, and sank into the recliner in our living room. I was so tired, I didn't even want to change out of my regular clothes into pajamas so I could sleep in my bed. But I went to sleep with a full, grateful heart, and slept probably the best I have in weeks.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Communion
Tonight was I think the most meaningful, beautiful, moving celebration of the Lord's Supper I have ever been a part of.
This was the first time that I know of that Victory Rd. has had the Lord's Supper on a Wednesday night. Usually it's during the night service of the Sunday before Easter Sunday. But this seemed to work well. All Wednesday night classes were canceled, and we all met together in the auditorium.
As they arrived, people greeted each other quietly in the foyer and hallways, and the doors to the auditorium had signs taped to them requesting, "Enter reverently with prayer".
Trissy had gone early to do a Bible study with one of the young girls at the church, so she was already there. When I entered the auditorium after quietly greeting Nicole, Lydia, and a few others standing in the foyer, the lights were dim and those already inside sat silent or talking in whispers. I spotted Trissy and Ava sitting where our family usually sits on Sunday nights, talking quietly, and went to join them. It was almost time to start. Ava left to go sit with Austin and his family, and Dad and Mom came in and sat with Trissy and me. All the over-head lights were off - the only light was from the soft ones on the back wall, a couple up front, and a soft spotlight on the cross-and-dove centerpiece high on the wall above the choir chairs. Bro. Blake's mother was playing the organ; soft, gentle, solemn old hymns like "The Ninety and Nine". The whole room felt so beautiful, so, holy.
Bro. Blake stepped up to the podium and led the congregation in two hymns, "Hallelujah, Christ Arose", and "The Blood Will Never Lose It's Power", with only the organ for accompaniment and his rich baritone for direction. As the last chorus came to an end, Bro. Nick walked up to the platform with his Bible in his hands, and Bro. Blake handed him the microphone and went to sit with his family.
Bro. Nick read clearly and simply the account of the Last Supper from Matthew 26:17-29. When he reached verse 29, I noticed something I don't think I ever had before. Jesus says, "But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."
Until I drink it new, with you. He's waiting for us. Christ, the son of God, is keeping Himself from enjoying the complete pleasures of His Father's kingdom, until we who are His adopted brothers and sisters are there to enjoy it too. Wow.
When Bro. Nick finished reading, Bro. Dennis sang "When He Was On The Cross, I Was On His Mind". So thankful to hear that voice again. So thankful for hope for the future.
Bro. Earl preached a simple sermon and read the apostle Paul's description from 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. He urged us that were followers of Christ to pray silently (while he prayed aloud), confessing any known sin in our lives, and asking the Lord to reveal others we may not have recognized so that we could repent of them also, enabling us to take the Lord's Supper with an examined heart and a clean conscience.
After he prayed an earnest, humble prayer, he asked Bro. Nick and five of the deacons to come to the front to help him pass out the bread and 'wine' (grape juice). The pewter dishes gleamed in the soft light. Bro. Earl handed a plate filled with the tiny pieces of flat bread to Bro. Nick on his right. Bro. Nick turned and gave it to Bro. Blake who in turn handed it to Julia's dad. Then another one for Bro. Blake. Bro. Earl handed one to Lindy's dad on his left, and the 'bucket brigade'-style plate-passing was repeated on that side. The four deacons with the four plates of bread then moved throughout the congregation, offering a piece to each member. When all had been served, the deacons walked back to the front and served each other, each man giving the plate to the next man up, and that one holding it for him to take a piece, then passing the plate on, ending with Bro. Earl serving Bro. Nick and Lindy's dad before taking a piece himself.
The process was repeated with the trays filled with the tiny glass cups of grape juice.
I was struck with the beauty of the ceremony and order of the process.
It has always been a solemn thing, the Lord's Supper. Something I don't believe I've ever taken lightly since I've been old enough to understand. Certainly not since I received Christ and have been part of one of these services myself.
But this time, I seemed to feel the wonderful, terrible, incredible significance in a way I never remember before. Hearing again the story of the first one, the "Last Supper" - the last Passover Jesus celebrated with His disciples. The overwhelming sadness that must have threatened to consume Him, as the time to leave got closer. The pure aloneness He must have felt, knowing all would desert Him. Knowing He must face this - the most terrible horrors any human on earth had or has ever come to - alone.
Alone.
Julia's dad, as one of the deacons, held out the plate of unleavened bread. I took one of the tiny pieces and held it as Bro. Earl prayed.
Jesus' words, 'This is My body, broken for you...' The disciples must not have understood that night. Did they? They must not have. It surely would have torn them from the inside out, if they'd known...
The crisp crunch of the plain, unleavened bread.
Julia's dad came back, this time with the tray of juice.
As I sat looking into the rich purple color of that tiny glass of grape juice, tears came to my eyes. 'This is My blood, shed for you... My blood... My blood...'
The life of the flesh is in the blood. He literally gave His life - for me. For whoever would choose to accept His gift.
Of course this was only juice here, but the significance was so terribly and wonderfully real to me that from sheer sympathy I didn't think I would be able to drink it. How He suffered! And we have no idea really.
Bro. Earl prayed again, but when he finished, I really hesitated to drink my juice. Then Jesus's command to the disciples spoke in my head, "Drink ye all of it;" and I did.
The sweet, spicy tang of the purple grape juice, then soft chinks all across the room as people slid their tiny empty glasses into the wooden holders on the backs of the pews in front of them.
Reminding us that Jesus and His disciples sang a hymn when they left their Passover meal, Bro. Earl nodded to Bro. Blake, whose his rich baritone solemnly but joyfully began the first verse of "Amazing Grace" as he began walking down the center isle and out of the auditorium. We all stood and followed, singing.
We left the building quietly, smiling at each other without speaking, and most continued on to their cars and left, taking the lovely solemn experience home to savor.
But a few stayed in little knots of people to chat a few minutes, standing around in the parking lot. Aron's cousin was behind Trissy and me as we exited the church building, and greeted us sweetly when we got out front. Her husband had been invited to preach at another church Sunday night, so we asked how that had gone. Lindy, and then Ava, came and joined our little group, and we stood talking amiably about random little things, like friends do. Toby had had surgery the day before, on one of his knees he'd injured playing basketball. Lindy said he was in quite a bit of pain and acting pretty grumpy unless someone was hugging him. We talked about hugs, how some people are 'huggy' people and some are not, about cats and kittens and Ava said Austin said she could have two of ours if Maggie has kittens, as long as they stayed outside. We talked about the weather, how it keeps getting hot, then chilly again. Ava was wearing leather flip-flops and her feet were cold. About that time, Austin came out of the church where he'd been helping lock up and, after a little more discussion on being cold and how to avoid it, they left to go get supper. As they walked off, I thought of something. I ran to catch up, and when I did, told Ava she should 'borrow' his corn bag when she was cold. She turned to Austin. 'Corn bag! You have a corn bag?!'
'Oh yeah! I do!' and Austin was telling her the story as they left.
I returned to our little group. Aron's cousin had left by this time, and the parking lot was practically empty. Trissy and I visited with Lindy a couple more minutes before saying good-bye with light and happy hearts.
The whole evening was such a wonderful, special experience.
This was the first time that I know of that Victory Rd. has had the Lord's Supper on a Wednesday night. Usually it's during the night service of the Sunday before Easter Sunday. But this seemed to work well. All Wednesday night classes were canceled, and we all met together in the auditorium.
As they arrived, people greeted each other quietly in the foyer and hallways, and the doors to the auditorium had signs taped to them requesting, "Enter reverently with prayer".
Trissy had gone early to do a Bible study with one of the young girls at the church, so she was already there. When I entered the auditorium after quietly greeting Nicole, Lydia, and a few others standing in the foyer, the lights were dim and those already inside sat silent or talking in whispers. I spotted Trissy and Ava sitting where our family usually sits on Sunday nights, talking quietly, and went to join them. It was almost time to start. Ava left to go sit with Austin and his family, and Dad and Mom came in and sat with Trissy and me. All the over-head lights were off - the only light was from the soft ones on the back wall, a couple up front, and a soft spotlight on the cross-and-dove centerpiece high on the wall above the choir chairs. Bro. Blake's mother was playing the organ; soft, gentle, solemn old hymns like "The Ninety and Nine". The whole room felt so beautiful, so, holy.
Bro. Blake stepped up to the podium and led the congregation in two hymns, "Hallelujah, Christ Arose", and "The Blood Will Never Lose It's Power", with only the organ for accompaniment and his rich baritone for direction. As the last chorus came to an end, Bro. Nick walked up to the platform with his Bible in his hands, and Bro. Blake handed him the microphone and went to sit with his family.
Bro. Nick read clearly and simply the account of the Last Supper from Matthew 26:17-29. When he reached verse 29, I noticed something I don't think I ever had before. Jesus says, "But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."
Until I drink it new, with you. He's waiting for us. Christ, the son of God, is keeping Himself from enjoying the complete pleasures of His Father's kingdom, until we who are His adopted brothers and sisters are there to enjoy it too. Wow.
When Bro. Nick finished reading, Bro. Dennis sang "When He Was On The Cross, I Was On His Mind". So thankful to hear that voice again. So thankful for hope for the future.
Bro. Earl preached a simple sermon and read the apostle Paul's description from 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. He urged us that were followers of Christ to pray silently (while he prayed aloud), confessing any known sin in our lives, and asking the Lord to reveal others we may not have recognized so that we could repent of them also, enabling us to take the Lord's Supper with an examined heart and a clean conscience.
After he prayed an earnest, humble prayer, he asked Bro. Nick and five of the deacons to come to the front to help him pass out the bread and 'wine' (grape juice). The pewter dishes gleamed in the soft light. Bro. Earl handed a plate filled with the tiny pieces of flat bread to Bro. Nick on his right. Bro. Nick turned and gave it to Bro. Blake who in turn handed it to Julia's dad. Then another one for Bro. Blake. Bro. Earl handed one to Lindy's dad on his left, and the 'bucket brigade'-style plate-passing was repeated on that side. The four deacons with the four plates of bread then moved throughout the congregation, offering a piece to each member. When all had been served, the deacons walked back to the front and served each other, each man giving the plate to the next man up, and that one holding it for him to take a piece, then passing the plate on, ending with Bro. Earl serving Bro. Nick and Lindy's dad before taking a piece himself.
The process was repeated with the trays filled with the tiny glass cups of grape juice.
I was struck with the beauty of the ceremony and order of the process.
It has always been a solemn thing, the Lord's Supper. Something I don't believe I've ever taken lightly since I've been old enough to understand. Certainly not since I received Christ and have been part of one of these services myself.
But this time, I seemed to feel the wonderful, terrible, incredible significance in a way I never remember before. Hearing again the story of the first one, the "Last Supper" - the last Passover Jesus celebrated with His disciples. The overwhelming sadness that must have threatened to consume Him, as the time to leave got closer. The pure aloneness He must have felt, knowing all would desert Him. Knowing He must face this - the most terrible horrors any human on earth had or has ever come to - alone.
Alone.
Julia's dad, as one of the deacons, held out the plate of unleavened bread. I took one of the tiny pieces and held it as Bro. Earl prayed.
Jesus' words, 'This is My body, broken for you...' The disciples must not have understood that night. Did they? They must not have. It surely would have torn them from the inside out, if they'd known...
The crisp crunch of the plain, unleavened bread.
Julia's dad came back, this time with the tray of juice.
As I sat looking into the rich purple color of that tiny glass of grape juice, tears came to my eyes. 'This is My blood, shed for you... My blood... My blood...'
The life of the flesh is in the blood. He literally gave His life - for me. For whoever would choose to accept His gift.
Of course this was only juice here, but the significance was so terribly and wonderfully real to me that from sheer sympathy I didn't think I would be able to drink it. How He suffered! And we have no idea really.
Bro. Earl prayed again, but when he finished, I really hesitated to drink my juice. Then Jesus's command to the disciples spoke in my head, "Drink ye all of it;" and I did.
The sweet, spicy tang of the purple grape juice, then soft chinks all across the room as people slid their tiny empty glasses into the wooden holders on the backs of the pews in front of them.
Reminding us that Jesus and His disciples sang a hymn when they left their Passover meal, Bro. Earl nodded to Bro. Blake, whose his rich baritone solemnly but joyfully began the first verse of "Amazing Grace" as he began walking down the center isle and out of the auditorium. We all stood and followed, singing.
We left the building quietly, smiling at each other without speaking, and most continued on to their cars and left, taking the lovely solemn experience home to savor.
But a few stayed in little knots of people to chat a few minutes, standing around in the parking lot. Aron's cousin was behind Trissy and me as we exited the church building, and greeted us sweetly when we got out front. Her husband had been invited to preach at another church Sunday night, so we asked how that had gone. Lindy, and then Ava, came and joined our little group, and we stood talking amiably about random little things, like friends do. Toby had had surgery the day before, on one of his knees he'd injured playing basketball. Lindy said he was in quite a bit of pain and acting pretty grumpy unless someone was hugging him. We talked about hugs, how some people are 'huggy' people and some are not, about cats and kittens and Ava said Austin said she could have two of ours if Maggie has kittens, as long as they stayed outside. We talked about the weather, how it keeps getting hot, then chilly again. Ava was wearing leather flip-flops and her feet were cold. About that time, Austin came out of the church where he'd been helping lock up and, after a little more discussion on being cold and how to avoid it, they left to go get supper. As they walked off, I thought of something. I ran to catch up, and when I did, told Ava she should 'borrow' his corn bag when she was cold. She turned to Austin. 'Corn bag! You have a corn bag?!'
'Oh yeah! I do!' and Austin was telling her the story as they left.
I returned to our little group. Aron's cousin had left by this time, and the parking lot was practically empty. Trissy and I visited with Lindy a couple more minutes before saying good-bye with light and happy hearts.
The whole evening was such a wonderful, special experience.
Friday, April 27, 2012
'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.
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.
Friday, February 3, 2012
"5 Small Things Friday" No. 18
Go back and read this post for the story behind "Five Small Things Friday".
For this week, here is my list:
1. Sight: Abigail Laughing
2. Hearing: Bro. Blake Laughing
3. Smell: Fish Frying
4. Taste: Hamburger
5. Touch: Abigail Putting My Bracelet Back On
The stories behind the list:
1. Abigail is my corny joke buddy. Just about every Wednesday night, she has another silly joke for me. She says I'm the only one who tries to guess them or figure them out - most people just say, "Ok, tell me." She'll say, "Hey Kyrie, what do you call a cow without legs?" (Ground beef.) Or, "What do you call four bullfighters in quicksand?" (Quatro sinko.) Or other stuff like that. I love it :) . So at some point this week, Trissy came up with one. I thought it was pretty good, and I had to share it with Abigail Wednesday night. "What do you call a jumping air conditioner?" She couldn't get it. "Hyper ventilation!" She kindof chuckled, but looked like she really didn't get it. I think she was laughing more at me laughing than at the joke! But after about five minutes, she started laughing so hard she was doubling over! "I get it now!"
Abigail's so pretty anyway, but when she laughs it just lights up her whole face!
2. Every year Victory Rd. hosts a fish fry to raise money for the year's mission trips and such. It's pretty much an all-day thing, and any of the young people that come and help work, get a percentage of the earnings put into their mission trip account at the church. I usually try to be there on Fish Fry day.
Bro. Blake was there for a little while to drop off his daughter Joy, who was going to be working it, and chat for a few minutes. At one point something struck him funny and he started laughing like it was the funniest thing he'd ever encountered. I love it when Bro. Blake laughs. He's 6 feet, 7 inches tall - and when he laughs, it's such a great big, vibrating, powerful, happy sound! It seems to shake him from the inside out, and if you're around, even if you don't know what's going on or what the joke is, it makes you smile too.
3. The smell of fish frying on Fish Fry day is one-of-a-kind. The men of Victory Rd. who always cook, are the best - they know what they are doing when it comes to cooking, and you always know their fish is going to be something! When Trissy and I were walking up to the fellowship building (where the fish fries always are) at the beginning of the day, we could smell it.
4.
5. Coming back from Strength To Stand, we stopped to eat at this place called "Shake and Bake" - an old-fashioned ice cream and hamburger place (it was good too!). We were standing in line, and I was a little behind Abigail in another line on her right. She turned and noticed me, and as she stepped over, she held out a narrow little rainbow-striped rubber bracelet and said, "Kyrie - a cool bracelet for you." It had a little connection thing she attached around my wrist. It was one of the ones like the kids had gotten at the arcade-type place the day before when Law had won the X-Box Kinect.
"For me?!" I said, rising to the occasion and trying to match her mannerism and tone of voice. "I'm so special!"
She kindof smiled and stepped back in line, and I was left wondering why she had given it to me. There were several of the younger girls who were her friends, who she might have given it to. But, I guess like Piper's white carnation, I might not ever find out. She had some reason, and I treasure this cheap little bracelet as a reminder of the precious girl who gave it to me and her sweet spirit and friendship.
Wednesday evening, getting to the church after work, I was in a hurry and got the bracelet caught on something in my car. Before I realized it, it had pulled loose the connection and dropped out into the parking lot. I was in the building before I realized it.
I went back and got it, then found Abigail and after chatting for a minute, told her my bracelet came off and asked if she'd put it back on for me. She seemed half puzzled, half pleased, but she connected it again for me :) .
Monday, December 5, 2011
"Safety is of the Lord"
“For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” Ps. 91:11
Yesterday afternoon on her way to choir practice, Mrs. Carrie was in a wreck. It had been drizzling all afternoon, and the road was just wet enough to make the oil on the road slick and more dangerous than a heavy rainstorm. Coming around a curve near their house, she lost control and hydroplaned, her SUV ending up on it's side in a ditch. If it had been a car, it would have rolled completely over.
Bro. Dennis was already at the church practicing with the musicians, and Bro. Blake (who went with him when they got the call) told us later that he had to beg him to slow to 80 mph on their way out there. They had no idea what they would find.
But the Lord was merciful. Mrs. Carrie only had a burn from the seatbelt on her arm, and when they took her to the hospital just to make sure everything was alright, they said the baby's heartrate was normal, and they were both fine, though obviously shaken up. Bro. Blake said Bro. Dennis's heartrate was probably what they needed to worry about!
How many prayers have been prayed for this precious child! Both for his creation, and for his future. Just yesterday morning in his sermon, Bro. Earl mentioned how he was praying that this grandbaby would grow to become a godly man, teach his own children the ways of God, and serve the Lord with his life - like his daddy has. How I've prayed, that the Lord would save him while he's young, that he would grow to be a godly man and a preacher for Christ, that he would lead many people to the Lord, and that he would raise his own family for the Lord, that until the end of time, there would be a man of this line serving God.
And the whole church it seems, has been praying for this little miracle, and now is anxiously waiting for him to arrive. That baby will never lack for love - or attention!
Could it be that the devil is trying to stop him, even now? The Lord is SO kind and merciful! We could have lost one or both of them. Yet, He left them both to us - alive and well.
My heart is overwhelmed by His graciousness, His compassion, His pity, and His indescribable goodness.
Words cannot express how I feel. But He hears the words my heart is singing!
What else can I do but worship?
Blessed be the name of the Lord!
Yesterday afternoon on her way to choir practice, Mrs. Carrie was in a wreck. It had been drizzling all afternoon, and the road was just wet enough to make the oil on the road slick and more dangerous than a heavy rainstorm. Coming around a curve near their house, she lost control and hydroplaned, her SUV ending up on it's side in a ditch. If it had been a car, it would have rolled completely over.
Bro. Dennis was already at the church practicing with the musicians, and Bro. Blake (who went with him when they got the call) told us later that he had to beg him to slow to 80 mph on their way out there. They had no idea what they would find.
But the Lord was merciful. Mrs. Carrie only had a burn from the seatbelt on her arm, and when they took her to the hospital just to make sure everything was alright, they said the baby's heartrate was normal, and they were both fine, though obviously shaken up. Bro. Blake said Bro. Dennis's heartrate was probably what they needed to worry about!
How many prayers have been prayed for this precious child! Both for his creation, and for his future. Just yesterday morning in his sermon, Bro. Earl mentioned how he was praying that this grandbaby would grow to become a godly man, teach his own children the ways of God, and serve the Lord with his life - like his daddy has. How I've prayed, that the Lord would save him while he's young, that he would grow to be a godly man and a preacher for Christ, that he would lead many people to the Lord, and that he would raise his own family for the Lord, that until the end of time, there would be a man of this line serving God.
And the whole church it seems, has been praying for this little miracle, and now is anxiously waiting for him to arrive. That baby will never lack for love - or attention!
Could it be that the devil is trying to stop him, even now? The Lord is SO kind and merciful! We could have lost one or both of them. Yet, He left them both to us - alive and well.
My heart is overwhelmed by His graciousness, His compassion, His pity, and His indescribable goodness.
Words cannot express how I feel. But He hears the words my heart is singing!
What else can I do but worship?
Blessed be the name of the Lord!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Blessed Be Your Name
We sang this last night at church in the young people's class. As a general rule, I don't really care for alot of the modern 'Christian music', but this has become one of my favorite songs of all time. It really has alot of 'meat' to it, if you get my meaning, and the Lord has really used it in my life lately. I thought I'd share the lyrics here for you!
The young people (from about age 14 through college) meet in an upstairs room for their Wednesday night lesson. Before the lesson, we always sing a couple of songs, and about four of the young people are in charge of 'leading' it. Archer plays several kinds of guitar, Bro. Blake's son Simon plays the drums (I don't really care for drums, but in all fairness he's really quite good and doesn't overdo it), Julia (haven't mentioned her yet - she's definitely one of the 'cooler' kids, you know, perfect blond hair, perfect in-style clothes, and an attitude that comes out occasionally, but I think she really does have a good heart - Trissy is closer to her than I am, and likes her) sings, Japan (his nickname - he looks oriental, but he really isn't - I don't think :) ) plays a guitar, and last night Archer's younger brother Law played another guitar. They all do a good job, and I said all of that to say this: I like our church's versions of these 'new' songs, generally alot better that the people who recorded them. So, many times when I mention a more 'modern' song that has blessed me, I am thinking of the way our church does them :) !
The young people (from about age 14 through college) meet in an upstairs room for their Wednesday night lesson. Before the lesson, we always sing a couple of songs, and about four of the young people are in charge of 'leading' it. Archer plays several kinds of guitar, Bro. Blake's son Simon plays the drums (I don't really care for drums, but in all fairness he's really quite good and doesn't overdo it), Julia (haven't mentioned her yet - she's definitely one of the 'cooler' kids, you know, perfect blond hair, perfect in-style clothes, and an attitude that comes out occasionally, but I think she really does have a good heart - Trissy is closer to her than I am, and likes her) sings, Japan (his nickname - he looks oriental, but he really isn't - I don't think :) ) plays a guitar, and last night Archer's younger brother Law played another guitar. They all do a good job, and I said all of that to say this: I like our church's versions of these 'new' songs, generally alot better that the people who recorded them. So, many times when I mention a more 'modern' song that has blessed me, I am thinking of the way our church does them :) !
BLESSED BE YOUR NAME
Blessed be Your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
And blessed be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be your name
Chorus:
Every blessing You pour out I'll
Turn back to praise
And when the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's "all as it should be"
Blessed be You name
And blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name
Chorus:
Every blessing You pour out I'll
Turn back to praise
And when the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name
I will bless Your name
Chorus:
Every blessing You pour out I'll
Turn back to praise
And when the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
And blessed be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be your name
Chorus:
Every blessing You pour out I'll
Turn back to praise
And when the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's "all as it should be"
Blessed be You name
And blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name
Chorus:
Every blessing You pour out I'll
Turn back to praise
And when the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name
I will bless Your name
Chorus:
Every blessing You pour out I'll
Turn back to praise
And when the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name
He is Lord! He is sovereign! Blessed Be His Name!!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Last Saturday's Sing
Ok, I'm finally getting to tell about last Saturday. Those of you who know much about me, know I love good, old-fashioned, Southern Gospel quartet music! Well, Sat. we had a quartet come to our church and sing - on Halloween no less! I thought that was pretty smart of the people who planned it! - encourage people to go to church and hear God's truths proclaimed in song, instead of participating (even innocently) in a satanic-like holiday. But anyway, a local quartet (of which three of our men are members) 'opened up' for them. Bro. Dennis sings tenor, Bro. Blake (who is 6'7" tall, and nicknamed "Tiny" :D ) plays the drums (but he's good - not like the kind of music you're probably thinking of that involves drums), and Bro. Jack sings bass. And if you think Bro. Dennis is a blast, whoowee boys and girls! you get Bro. Dennis and Bro. Jack together ... hold onto your socks, 'cause you're in for some side-splitting hillarity!
If you're one of those people (like me) who likes to visualize characters or people your reading about, picture 'Mr. Clean', except with blond eyebrows and goatee, a kinder smile, and no gold earring, and you'd pretty much have Bro. Jack. He and Bro. Dennis are about the same height, roughly 5'9', and are pretty close to the same age (early-mid thirties), and they both are wonderful singers.
The group had been practicing for weeks, getting ready to do this, but when we heard Bro. Dennis was sick, we didn't know if they'd get to sing or not. We should have known he would not have let his end down! And sure enough, he was there and sang his heart out. I was just sure he was going to collapse any minute. He did great though - Dad and Mom said they couldn't tell any difference at all! Trissy and I could tell, 'cause we are around him more, I guess. They sang beautifully, and my grandmother (Mom's parents came with us) said she liked them better than the other group, who has had more experience!
The whole evening was so enjoyable! That's been a week ago tonight, and I was sure I'd get it told about before now (I've left out so much I had wanted to record) - but I stay so busy with college (I really don't like school :{ ) I don't get much of a chance to get on the computer "just for fun".
Well, tomorrow is Sunday, so I'm really looking forward to a day of rest ;) !
Take care! Until next time...
SOLI DEO GLORIA!
If you're one of those people (like me) who likes to visualize characters or people your reading about, picture 'Mr. Clean', except with blond eyebrows and goatee, a kinder smile, and no gold earring, and you'd pretty much have Bro. Jack. He and Bro. Dennis are about the same height, roughly 5'9', and are pretty close to the same age (early-mid thirties), and they both are wonderful singers.
The group had been practicing for weeks, getting ready to do this, but when we heard Bro. Dennis was sick, we didn't know if they'd get to sing or not. We should have known he would not have let his end down! And sure enough, he was there and sang his heart out. I was just sure he was going to collapse any minute. He did great though - Dad and Mom said they couldn't tell any difference at all! Trissy and I could tell, 'cause we are around him more, I guess. They sang beautifully, and my grandmother (Mom's parents came with us) said she liked them better than the other group, who has had more experience!
The whole evening was so enjoyable! That's been a week ago tonight, and I was sure I'd get it told about before now (I've left out so much I had wanted to record) - but I stay so busy with college (I really don't like school :{ ) I don't get much of a chance to get on the computer "just for fun".
Well, tomorrow is Sunday, so I'm really looking forward to a day of rest ;) !
Take care! Until next time...
SOLI DEO GLORIA!
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