So last year's 'Superbowl party' was one of my favorite memories of 2013. And I've got to say, though they were very different, this year's 'Superbowl party' is probably going to make the list of favorites from 2014.
After Sunday School yesterday morning, Bro. Nick came in briefly to let the class know that they were going to be having a Superbowl party again this year, after church in the evening. I had wondered, with the youth group having shrunk so, if they were going to do one or not. I was glad to hear it. Last year, basically no one watched the game - everyone spent their time playing games and enjoying being together!
Jaylyn and Jewel are visiting us for a few days, and went to church with us last night. So after church, we went over to the gym and pulled out roller skates and the rip-stick out of the big wooden footlocker, expecting the youth classes to be finishing up soon, and everyone to be coming down to the gym like we did last year.
After the four of us had been 'rolling' around the gym for about 35 minutes and no one had appeared, it suddenly dawned on me that they were probably using the youth room and/or the 'new' game room for the party (there was an unused classroom adjoining the youth room, that Bro. Nick and Lydia have turned into a sort of 'game room' for the young people)! But we were having a great time just the four of us, and realized the party was probably over by this time anyway - and it's always awkward to walk in on the tail end of an event - so we just stayed where we were, deciding to just keep roller skating, and see how the evening unfolded.
In a little while, Julia's mom came down with a practically-empty crock pot of cheese dip, heading to the kitchen to clean it out. When she found us in the gym, dear encouraging soul that she is, she urged us to go on up anyway, get something to eat, and join in the game of Taboo they were into up there. I followed her to the kitchen to help clean the pot, and we got to chat a little while. She told me how Julia's university experience is proving to be pretty difficult, and about a mission trip quilt she and her husband had had made for Julia out of her old mission trip t-shirts. Jaylyn came in, and stood and listened, then Trissy came in and joined the conversation, then Jewel, so we all ended up standing (then sitting) in the kitchen for probably another 30 minutes just visiting with Julia's mom! But she is so sweet and big-hearted - it was nice to get to chat with her for a while!
Eventually we made our way upstairs. Julia's dad was the only one watching the game on a TV in the youth room - the others were all gathered in a rough circle in the game room, involved in an enthusiastic game of Taboo. Except for Joy and Nicole's younger brother, who were playing a football video game in the other half of the room.
Bro. Nick, Law, another girl of the youth group who's graduated but good friends with Abigail, Abigail, a visiting girl, and Piper, made up the two teams (Lydia had had to leave a little earlier to go put their two little girls to bed).
It worked really well as an ice-breaker game. We 'jumped' right in, including Jaylyn and Jewel, and the group got to meet them and they got to meet the group without any of those awkward introductions and now-what-do-I-say-to-be-polite-and-keep-the-conversation-going-? moments. A little later on, Nicole and her husband came to pick up her younger brother to take him home, and ended up staying and playing for a little while! I think everyone had a really great evening - after the four of us got there, we all kept playing until we got through the blue sides of the entire box of cards. We'd mixed up the teams and started on the pink side, when Piper suddenly looked up and asked Bro. Nick half-jokingly, half-seriously how late we could stay before he kicked us out. He chuckled and replied we'd probably have to close down right after 9:30, since it was a school night. Right about that time, Mom called Trissy's cell phone to see where we were - we usually leave the Sunday night college suppers at 9:00, and it was 9:30! We'd completely lost track of time!
Trissy and I spent the night at The Grandparents' (where Jaylyn and Jewel are staying), quietly slipping in the house, getting a snack, making out our beds, and crawling in for the night. Jaylyn and Trissy went to sleep after talking together until probably about 11:00. Jewel and I talked until past 2:00. Yeah, I know, there goes my great sleeping habits. But we had some great discussions, and it was really nice. Now at 8:00 the next morning, after less than five hours of sleep, I'm not sure how well I'll function the rest of the day... :) . But it will be okay - I work a shorter shift at the restaurant today, and then plan to go over to VRCA to help the secretary with paperwork for an hour (registration starts today and she's getting over surgery - there's lots of paperwork, but I always have so much fun helping her!), and the rest of the afternoon can be spent enjoying my cousins and family!
The whole evening I just kept thinking, "Praise God! He is SO good!"
Showing posts with label Julia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Julia. Show all posts
Monday, February 3, 2014
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
A Hodge-podge Collage
It's bedtime. The rest of the house is dark and quiet, but there is a lamp on beside me. I am ensconsed in Dad's big recliner in the living room for the night because I'm trying to organize my room and can't get to my bed at this point. I have a notebook and a pen...
My thoughts are like a hodge-podge collage tonight. Thoughts, colors, people, songs, scenes, events, past, present, future, all layered together and overlapping into a display that, really, is quite beautiful, in spite of the pain that's part of the piece.
Melissa's sadness * "Like An Avalanche" * Law's sweet prayer * Abigail's shirt striped with sequins * Julia saying good-bye * Autumn's joking rebuke that I can't figure out * the black hood of Austin's car * JV kids from last year back this year * seeing my 'brown-eyed boy' in Wal*Mart * "Christ In Me" * music practice last night * 'Multiply' with Joy * Law: "Was that a fat joke Austin?! You did! You just called Kyrie fat." Abigail: "Kyrie, he called you fat! Slap him!" Me: "No!" Austin's look of innocent bewildered confusion * my bedroom I'm wanting to clean out and organize * being behind on my '5 Small Things Friday' posts * wanting to write/journal * Uncle Alvin's family coming to visit * Law's soft shirt and lean hardness when he bumped against my arm * wanting to make things for the fair * hopes for our AWANAs at church * Bro. Nick's lesson tonight - 'Making Decisions for the Glory of God' * Lindy seeming pre-occupied * being hungry and tired * why didn't Archer come to Toby and Lindy's wedding? * not getting to tell Landon 'bye before he left for his year-long mission trip * Passion 2014? * letters to write * hugs from Piper * wearing my hair down * invite pain? reject pain? or forget pain? * "Learning To Be The Light" * VRCA school starting * needing to work on the academy website * What happened to Ashelyn and her husband? * Bro. Dennis and Mrs. Carrie * Bro. Dennis joking like old times at Toby and Lindy's rehearsal supper * ...
My thoughts are like a hodge-podge collage tonight. Thoughts, colors, people, songs, scenes, events, past, present, future, all layered together and overlapping into a display that, really, is quite beautiful, in spite of the pain that's part of the piece.
Melissa's sadness * "Like An Avalanche" * Law's sweet prayer * Abigail's shirt striped with sequins * Julia saying good-bye * Autumn's joking rebuke that I can't figure out * the black hood of Austin's car * JV kids from last year back this year * seeing my 'brown-eyed boy' in Wal*Mart * "Christ In Me" * music practice last night * 'Multiply' with Joy * Law: "Was that a fat joke Austin?! You did! You just called Kyrie fat." Abigail: "Kyrie, he called you fat! Slap him!" Me: "No!" Austin's look of innocent bewildered confusion * my bedroom I'm wanting to clean out and organize * being behind on my '5 Small Things Friday' posts * wanting to write/journal * Uncle Alvin's family coming to visit * Law's soft shirt and lean hardness when he bumped against my arm * wanting to make things for the fair * hopes for our AWANAs at church * Bro. Nick's lesson tonight - 'Making Decisions for the Glory of God' * Lindy seeming pre-occupied * being hungry and tired * why didn't Archer come to Toby and Lindy's wedding? * not getting to tell Landon 'bye before he left for his year-long mission trip * Passion 2014? * letters to write * hugs from Piper * wearing my hair down * invite pain? reject pain? or forget pain? * "Learning To Be The Light" * VRCA school starting * needing to work on the academy website * What happened to Ashelyn and her husband? * Bro. Dennis and Mrs. Carrie * Bro. Dennis joking like old times at Toby and Lindy's rehearsal supper * ...
Friday, July 19, 2013
"5 Small Things Friday" No. 94
Go back and read this post for the story behind "Five Small Things Friday".
For this week, here is my list:
1. Sight: D-Now Pictures / Austin
2. Hearing: Autumn, Julia, And Julia's Mom Laughing
3. Smell:
4. Taste:
5. Touch: Hug From Julia
The stories behind the list:
1. Months before he left, Bro. Mike gave me a plastic box full of youth group pictures to sort and organize. We'd been having some conversation about the pictures around the youth room (he always tried to have a bulletin board or display out with pictures of the latest youth event or mission trip Victory Rd. had been involved in), and I asked what happens to all the pictures when they got taken down to be replaced. He replied that there was a box full of them somewhere. I expressed disappointment that they were just stuffed in some box instead of people being able to enjoy them still (me being the history buff that I am). Long story short, I volunteered to go through them and see if I could get them put into albums, and Bro. Mike was happy to let me. Well, since then, I haven't had much time to work on them. It turned out to be a little bigger and more involved project than I had invisioned, and the plastic box has been sitting in a corner for several months. This past week I decided to tackle the project, and it has been a neat experience.
I came across the envelope that had all the pictures from D-Now in 2011. My, how time flies. I spent a long time going through that stack of photos, re-living memories, studying faces, thinking of all that life has brought to the people in the pictures since that time. Looking at many faces that are gone from Victory Rd., and studying some that are now leaders in the youth group.
It was a bitter-sweet experience, going through those photos. But mostly sweet, knowing the God that was great then is great now, and still may have wonderful surprises in store for those lives.
/
Austin came to the restaurant Wednesday to get lunch for the lawn-care crew he works with. It surprised me when he came around the corner, and his big grin and teasing really gave me a pick-me-up.
2. Trissy and I were some of the last to leave church Wednesday night because of the visiting we like to hang around and do. When we finally headed outside to leave, Autumn was still parked there, talking with Julia and Julia's mom at their car, so we stopped and chatted and joked with them a little bit. All of us were needing to leave, but it seemed like every time we'd 'finish' the conversation, someone would say or think of something else to tell, and we'd keep going.
Finally we said good-byes and Trissy and I went to get in my car. I slid in, adjusting myself in the seat. When I turned around to reach out and pull my door shut, a little 'shape' was perched on my steering wheel, staring back at me unblinkingly in the half-light. I jumped and yelped, and an erruption of ecstatic cackles exploded from the three ladies parked on the other side. I realized almost immediately what the 'thing' was - a giant black and gray horned beetle, probably two-and-a-half inches long and an inch wide. I'm not afraid of beetles (even giant ones), but the unexpectedness of seeing 'something' on my steering wheel, about ten inches from my face... Well, I think I had a right to be startled!
My mind was working in a whirl, trying to figure out if it was real or rubber, if Autumn and Julia had brought it back from their recent mission trip to Central America, and what made them play the joke on me - I actually felt quite honored (you'd have to understand these two girls - they'd only play a prank like that on someone they really liked)! Autumn was by this time beside my driver door, laughing hysterically. I got back out, laughing and congratulating them on their cleverness, and she reached in and plucked the beetle from my steering wheel.
Law had found it and somehow it had come into Autumn and Julia's possession, and they decided it was too good of an opportunity to pass up - they needed somebody to prank! They noticed my windows were rolled down a little and they tried the door. When they found it unlocked, I was chosen as the 'victim'. And you know the rest of the story! Evidently they had been waiting all that time in the parking lot, just so they could see my reaction!
We said good-bye again and left, laughing the way back to the house, my evening made!
3.
4.
5. When Julia went on that mission trip to Central America, I gave her some money and asked her to pick me up some souvenirs. There have been teams or individuals from Victory Road taking mission trips to a country in Central America since 2010, and I wanted a couple of specific items like ones they'd brought back before. Julia said she could get them for me.
Wednesday night when she came in the room before class and saw me, she threw up her hands. 'I forgot to bring your things!'
'It's fine!' I assured her. 'Just whenever you can get them to me is fine. Hey, and I want you to keep the change and save it for your trip next year,' I said as she gave me a hug (which is rare - she doesn't just give out hugs). There had been about $30 worth of things she hadn't been able to get for me because she'd been sick on the day they were going to do their main souvenir shopping.
She shrugged it off exclaiming, 'I won't keep track of it 'til then!' She's planning to be down there for the whole summer next year, and I knew good and well that she'd be starting to save for it soon.
'Sure you can! Put it in a bank account or something!'
The conversation moved on with other people in the room, but before she left (it was her turn to take care of the babies in the nursery this week) she whirled and gave me a long, super-tight-squeeze hug - the kind I'd only seen her give to people I know are really special to her - and I wondered if, in her own way, she was thanking me.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Sunday, March 24, 2013
After church this evening, I walked across the street to the gym to find Ava. She and Austin were supposed to be cooking for our college meal tonight, but I'd gotten a message from Henley saying it was canceled. I just wanted to check with Ava and see if they'd already made something, and if we were going to have it anyway.
As I crossed the street from the church building to the gym building, my 'brown-eyed boy' was walking across also from farther up, headed to where his car was parked beside the gym building. Our triangle converged near his car, and after exchanging greetings, I asked him if he'd had a good time at our small town's yearly Old Days celebration. By this time he'd reached his car and I was almost to the gym door - the one with the new keypad lock on it. He stood at the driver's side door looking puzzled a minute, then exclaimed, 'Oh yeah! You were there! I was trying to think how you knew about it.'
I smiled.
He said it'd been okay; he worked the booth for the local gym because several of the employees that were supposed to run it couldn't be there. I ask him if they'd paid him and he said they had. I grinned, 'Well, that's something then!'
'Oh yeah, sure!', he agreed heartily.
I turned and punched in the code and opened the door. 'Yeah, and when did that happen? I feel like I've been sort of out of it with stuff around here.' He nodded towards the keypad on the door, leaving his car and following me into the gym.
'A couple of weeks ago,' I answered. We walked together across the big basketball court, dodging third-graders rip-sticking and playing basketball now that their class was out.
'I don't feel like I've been here in so long. I mean, I've been up there,' he motioned with his head back towards the church building, 'but not over here.'
'Have they been working you alot on Wednesday nights?' I asked sympathetically. I didn't want to seem like I was fussing at him for not being there - but I wanted him to know we'd missed him.
'Yeah,' he shook his head slightly and watched the floor as he walked. 'Alot of other people had already asked for Wednesday nights off.' His head came up, he straightened his shoulders, and his voice took on a determined note. 'But I told them I was not working on Sundays!'
I grinned. 'Good for you!' I exclaimed, proud of him, knowing how hard life is right now for him, wanting so much for Good to win the struggle, and thankful that he seemingly desires to do what's right.
We reached the classroom that contains the stairwell that leads up to the youth room. Ava, Joy, and Piper were coming out, and Ava and I met in the doorway. Joy and Piper came on through and into the gym, and out the nearest outside door. My 'brown-eyed boy' continued on into the room when I stopped to talk to Ava, then soon excused himself as he passed between us back out the door, back into the gym and, I assume, out of the gym and into his car and left. I didn't really notice it until later, when I was thinking over the day, and realized he must have come into the gym building at all only because I was talking to him. And when I started talking to Ava, he left. I hope he didn't feel like I was rude to him!
Poor dear boy. All my poor dear boys! And girls! The world is such a horrible place for a Christian teenager to try to grow up in! Like flowers trying to grow in the desert. Oh the struggles, even if there are kind gardeners who tend and water the fragile plants! And if there are none... it's that much more difficult. Only the fact that their God controls the weather allows these flowers to survive, grow, and even, Lord willing, flourish in this hostile place.
Ava had gotten Henley's message about supper being canceled before she started cooking for it, so we would just go ahead and call it off completely.
We stood and chatted for a few minutes. She and Austin had gone up to go to church with Archer this morning. She said it was different - more geared to the college-age population that dominates that college town. She said it was nice and she enjoyed the service, but the way she carefully chose her wording, and her politely positive tone, made me think maybe she hadn't thought it was quite as amazing as Archer seems to feel like it is. Sweet, considerate Ava!
Switching 'gears', the youth class is starting a small-group discipleship-type study using Francis Chan's book, "Multiply" as their curriculum on Sunday nights. Tonight was the first week, and Ava is a small-group leader. She really seemed excited about that; she said Piper and Joy are the two girls in her group!
After talking with Ava, I went on out the gym door, and Piper and Abigail were standing under the over-hang, waiting, I suppose, for Law to come downstairs to take them home. I stopped to talk to them a few minutes, and sweet Piper threw her arms around me impulsively. There are different kinds of hugs. It is not uncommon for Piper and me to give each other what I mentally call 'greeting hugs' - when you meet a friend, and you're like, "Oh hey so-and-so!" and you give them a friendly hug. But there's also what I call a 'speechless hug' - where your heart is so full, and you want the person to know that you care about them and love them, but you don't know what to say. So you hug them, tight, without saying anything, and don't hurry to let go. Now, this is just my 'take' on hugs, but I theorize that it's probably similar for other people too. And if that's the case, Piper gave me a 'speechless hug' then, though I didn't really think about it until later. But she's not really a 'huggy' person, and I wonder what she had on her heart to make her give me one like that.
We stood and chatted for a few more minutes until Law came down and they loaded up in Law's Explorer.
Julia and Toby's cousin (who is here visiting for a few days) came down about the same time, and I talked to them a minute. Autumn had surgery on her wrist this past week, and wasn't there. She and Julia are best friends and I asked Julia how she was. That led to a brainstorm on Julia and Toby's cousin's part, to go visit Autumn and surprise her. Toby's cousin went with them on the mission trip to Nicaragua last year, and she and Julia and Autumn became great friends. Autumn didn't know she was here.
I left them plotting on how they were going to surprise Autumn, and headed down the sidewalk that goes beside the gym, walking back up to the church building. The S. kids hadn't pulled out yet, and I waved at them as I walked past. Abigail and Law waved back from the front seats.
I walked back up to the church building feeling a mixture of emotions. Concern, happiness, curiosity, and contentment.
As I crossed the street from the church building to the gym building, my 'brown-eyed boy' was walking across also from farther up, headed to where his car was parked beside the gym building. Our triangle converged near his car, and after exchanging greetings, I asked him if he'd had a good time at our small town's yearly Old Days celebration. By this time he'd reached his car and I was almost to the gym door - the one with the new keypad lock on it. He stood at the driver's side door looking puzzled a minute, then exclaimed, 'Oh yeah! You were there! I was trying to think how you knew about it.'
I smiled.
He said it'd been okay; he worked the booth for the local gym because several of the employees that were supposed to run it couldn't be there. I ask him if they'd paid him and he said they had. I grinned, 'Well, that's something then!'
'Oh yeah, sure!', he agreed heartily.
I turned and punched in the code and opened the door. 'Yeah, and when did that happen? I feel like I've been sort of out of it with stuff around here.' He nodded towards the keypad on the door, leaving his car and following me into the gym.
'A couple of weeks ago,' I answered. We walked together across the big basketball court, dodging third-graders rip-sticking and playing basketball now that their class was out.
'I don't feel like I've been here in so long. I mean, I've been up there,' he motioned with his head back towards the church building, 'but not over here.'
'Have they been working you alot on Wednesday nights?' I asked sympathetically. I didn't want to seem like I was fussing at him for not being there - but I wanted him to know we'd missed him.
'Yeah,' he shook his head slightly and watched the floor as he walked. 'Alot of other people had already asked for Wednesday nights off.' His head came up, he straightened his shoulders, and his voice took on a determined note. 'But I told them I was not working on Sundays!'
I grinned. 'Good for you!' I exclaimed, proud of him, knowing how hard life is right now for him, wanting so much for Good to win the struggle, and thankful that he seemingly desires to do what's right.
We reached the classroom that contains the stairwell that leads up to the youth room. Ava, Joy, and Piper were coming out, and Ava and I met in the doorway. Joy and Piper came on through and into the gym, and out the nearest outside door. My 'brown-eyed boy' continued on into the room when I stopped to talk to Ava, then soon excused himself as he passed between us back out the door, back into the gym and, I assume, out of the gym and into his car and left. I didn't really notice it until later, when I was thinking over the day, and realized he must have come into the gym building at all only because I was talking to him. And when I started talking to Ava, he left. I hope he didn't feel like I was rude to him!
Poor dear boy. All my poor dear boys! And girls! The world is such a horrible place for a Christian teenager to try to grow up in! Like flowers trying to grow in the desert. Oh the struggles, even if there are kind gardeners who tend and water the fragile plants! And if there are none... it's that much more difficult. Only the fact that their God controls the weather allows these flowers to survive, grow, and even, Lord willing, flourish in this hostile place.
Ava had gotten Henley's message about supper being canceled before she started cooking for it, so we would just go ahead and call it off completely.
We stood and chatted for a few minutes. She and Austin had gone up to go to church with Archer this morning. She said it was different - more geared to the college-age population that dominates that college town. She said it was nice and she enjoyed the service, but the way she carefully chose her wording, and her politely positive tone, made me think maybe she hadn't thought it was quite as amazing as Archer seems to feel like it is. Sweet, considerate Ava!
Switching 'gears', the youth class is starting a small-group discipleship-type study using Francis Chan's book, "Multiply" as their curriculum on Sunday nights. Tonight was the first week, and Ava is a small-group leader. She really seemed excited about that; she said Piper and Joy are the two girls in her group!
After talking with Ava, I went on out the gym door, and Piper and Abigail were standing under the over-hang, waiting, I suppose, for Law to come downstairs to take them home. I stopped to talk to them a few minutes, and sweet Piper threw her arms around me impulsively. There are different kinds of hugs. It is not uncommon for Piper and me to give each other what I mentally call 'greeting hugs' - when you meet a friend, and you're like, "Oh hey so-and-so!" and you give them a friendly hug. But there's also what I call a 'speechless hug' - where your heart is so full, and you want the person to know that you care about them and love them, but you don't know what to say. So you hug them, tight, without saying anything, and don't hurry to let go. Now, this is just my 'take' on hugs, but I theorize that it's probably similar for other people too. And if that's the case, Piper gave me a 'speechless hug' then, though I didn't really think about it until later. But she's not really a 'huggy' person, and I wonder what she had on her heart to make her give me one like that.
We stood and chatted for a few more minutes until Law came down and they loaded up in Law's Explorer.
Julia and Toby's cousin (who is here visiting for a few days) came down about the same time, and I talked to them a minute. Autumn had surgery on her wrist this past week, and wasn't there. She and Julia are best friends and I asked Julia how she was. That led to a brainstorm on Julia and Toby's cousin's part, to go visit Autumn and surprise her. Toby's cousin went with them on the mission trip to Nicaragua last year, and she and Julia and Autumn became great friends. Autumn didn't know she was here.
I left them plotting on how they were going to surprise Autumn, and headed down the sidewalk that goes beside the gym, walking back up to the church building. The S. kids hadn't pulled out yet, and I waved at them as I walked past. Abigail and Law waved back from the front seats.
I walked back up to the church building feeling a mixture of emotions. Concern, happiness, curiosity, and contentment.
Friday, March 8, 2013
A Day Of Struggle
Last night I dreamed about him. About Archer. I dreamed we were finally going to get to go see him, except he wasn't in our little ol' local 'big city', he was in some real 'big city' somewhere, and a bunch of us from the youth group were going to take a church bus to go see him get an award for something-or-other at this black-tie, formal-dress occasion.
We found seats out in the huge, dimly-lit auditorium and watched a handful of uninteresting people walk across the bright stage with red velvet curtains behind them. Finally, the emcee called the name we waited for. We sat up straighter in our seats, and here he came. Tall and slim, wearing a black tuxedo, the black TOMS he'd worn as a groomsman in Austin and Ava's wedding, and that winning smile. We cheered as he graciously accepted his award, then craned our necks for a glimpse of that face as all the award-receivers lined up in the front, to the side of the stage, for pictures. We were as starving people, thirsty for a refreshing look, desperate for a few words with our friend.
Soon, but not soon enough for us, it was over, and the auditorium emptied. The crowds in their glittering gowns and nice suits filed calmly into the evening toward the elaborate gardens, where lavish refreshments were spread on tables and terraces sloping gracefully down to a view of the river. We took places on one terrace, trying to be patient as we waited anxiously for him to join us.
Minutes passed, then an hour, and still he didn't come. He hadn't actually said he'd come join us, but he'd known we were coming to see him... Surely he'd be here soon.
Finally someone went to find out. 'Oh, no,' was the answer, 'He was with a group from First Baptist (the church he goes to in the city where he's attending the university) and they left already.'
I saw the hearts of our whole group sink, but for myself, mine was crushed. Had he forgotten that quickly? Had he so easily traded us for others? Were we nothing more to him?
I sat on the low rock wall surrounding the terrace, unconscious that my nice clothes were getting scuffed, as I listlessly gazed out on the shimmering water. The moonlight danced on the little ripples and the black silhouettes of the tree branches spidered delicately across the sparkling, star-studded sky. But it meant nothing. I turned and looked at the sad faces of my companions, sitting stunned and silent, and saw a reflection of my own sorrow in their eyes. But I saw something else in theirs that mine did not match. They were accepting, resolute, ready to get up and start the long drive back without further weeping or protest. I turned for one last look at the water, and we left.
~
Why am I having such a hard time giving it to Him?!
It's been so hard, first, when Archer was going to be leaving; but that was still months away. I could push the thoughts back.
Then, he was going to be leaving soon, and no more would our music group and Tuesday night practices be the same; but he would be only an hour away, and at least we would still (I thought) have him back on Sundays.
But that comfort was shattered to bits, practically 'on stage' at the week-end youth retreat our music group played for.
Then, the Strength To Stand conference will be 'one last good-bye' with the youth group. But that last Sunday morning before we played, he told us he wasn't going to be able to get off work. So no STS.
But he practically promised a visit within two weeks. He kept his promise, but Trissy and I kept one of ours too, and we missed him.
My 'last comfort' was that Julia would be going to the same college in the fall, and maybe things would spark again between them and the Lord would answer that prayer and dream and wish of mine for these two dear friends.
Tuesday night at practice, Julia told us that she's about 95% sure the Lord's directing her to a college about 4 hours away - so... she probably won't be going to the one where he is.
Why can't I trust my God?! Why can't I trust Him?! Time after time He has proven Himself trustworthy! Time after time He has worked things out for the good of us who are His. Why can't I just seem to let this go? I even keep dreaming about him - I can't get peace from my sadness and worry, even in my sleep. It's as if something in me won't let go of it, even though the rest of me is struggling desperately to give it up and to move on. I know the Lord will work it out (as always, it's just so hard to 'wait and see' how) - why can't I give it up to Him? Maybe it's because I don't want to forget. I don't want the lessons and times and memories to die when a friend leaves.
I don't want to forget; but isn't there some way I could remember the memories and surrender the pain?!
We found seats out in the huge, dimly-lit auditorium and watched a handful of uninteresting people walk across the bright stage with red velvet curtains behind them. Finally, the emcee called the name we waited for. We sat up straighter in our seats, and here he came. Tall and slim, wearing a black tuxedo, the black TOMS he'd worn as a groomsman in Austin and Ava's wedding, and that winning smile. We cheered as he graciously accepted his award, then craned our necks for a glimpse of that face as all the award-receivers lined up in the front, to the side of the stage, for pictures. We were as starving people, thirsty for a refreshing look, desperate for a few words with our friend.
Soon, but not soon enough for us, it was over, and the auditorium emptied. The crowds in their glittering gowns and nice suits filed calmly into the evening toward the elaborate gardens, where lavish refreshments were spread on tables and terraces sloping gracefully down to a view of the river. We took places on one terrace, trying to be patient as we waited anxiously for him to join us.
Minutes passed, then an hour, and still he didn't come. He hadn't actually said he'd come join us, but he'd known we were coming to see him... Surely he'd be here soon.
Finally someone went to find out. 'Oh, no,' was the answer, 'He was with a group from First Baptist (the church he goes to in the city where he's attending the university) and they left already.'
I saw the hearts of our whole group sink, but for myself, mine was crushed. Had he forgotten that quickly? Had he so easily traded us for others? Were we nothing more to him?
I sat on the low rock wall surrounding the terrace, unconscious that my nice clothes were getting scuffed, as I listlessly gazed out on the shimmering water. The moonlight danced on the little ripples and the black silhouettes of the tree branches spidered delicately across the sparkling, star-studded sky. But it meant nothing. I turned and looked at the sad faces of my companions, sitting stunned and silent, and saw a reflection of my own sorrow in their eyes. But I saw something else in theirs that mine did not match. They were accepting, resolute, ready to get up and start the long drive back without further weeping or protest. I turned for one last look at the water, and we left.
~
Why am I having such a hard time giving it to Him?!
It's been so hard, first, when Archer was going to be leaving; but that was still months away. I could push the thoughts back.
Then, he was going to be leaving soon, and no more would our music group and Tuesday night practices be the same; but he would be only an hour away, and at least we would still (I thought) have him back on Sundays.
But that comfort was shattered to bits, practically 'on stage' at the week-end youth retreat our music group played for.
Then, the Strength To Stand conference will be 'one last good-bye' with the youth group. But that last Sunday morning before we played, he told us he wasn't going to be able to get off work. So no STS.
But he practically promised a visit within two weeks. He kept his promise, but Trissy and I kept one of ours too, and we missed him.
My 'last comfort' was that Julia would be going to the same college in the fall, and maybe things would spark again between them and the Lord would answer that prayer and dream and wish of mine for these two dear friends.
Tuesday night at practice, Julia told us that she's about 95% sure the Lord's directing her to a college about 4 hours away - so... she probably won't be going to the one where he is.
Why can't I trust my God?! Why can't I trust Him?! Time after time He has proven Himself trustworthy! Time after time He has worked things out for the good of us who are His. Why can't I just seem to let this go? I even keep dreaming about him - I can't get peace from my sadness and worry, even in my sleep. It's as if something in me won't let go of it, even though the rest of me is struggling desperately to give it up and to move on. I know the Lord will work it out (as always, it's just so hard to 'wait and see' how) - why can't I give it up to Him? Maybe it's because I don't want to forget. I don't want the lessons and times and memories to die when a friend leaves.
I don't want to forget; but isn't there some way I could remember the memories and surrender the pain?!
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Mentoring Joy
One of the things on my Bucket List is to mentor a younger person, preferably a teenager.
Several months ago, Oct. 24th to be exact (when Bro. Mike was phasing himself out as Youth Director and Justice was filling in until a new Youth Pastor was found), Justice announced to the youth group one Wednesday night, the possibility of implementing a mentoring program between the older youth and/or college youth, and the younger youth. After announcements, as we walked to the house where we have our Junior High class on Wednesday nights, Piper and I were talking about it.
Piper: 'Are you going to do the discipleship thing?'
Me: 'I don't know, I didn't even know about it until tonight! I hope so; I'd love to! One of the things on my 'bucket list' is to mentor a younger person.'
Piper: 'Well, I think you've probably already been doing alot of that without realizing it.'
I melted on the inside.
But it got me thinking, and later praying. I really did want to do it. But each person I thought of 'mentoring', seemed to have something that wouldn't quite let it work out. So I just kept praying about it.
Eventually, several things began happening that caused Joy to come to mind. I began praying specifically about doing it with her. I had no idea where I would squeeze it into my schedule, but I knew that this desire was in my heart, and if the Lord had put it there and wanted me to mentor her, He would work out details.
I prayed about it for several weeks, then asked Dad and Mom what they thought about it. They said it would be fine, and that maybe it would work out for her mom to drop her off at the church after school on Wednesdays, and I could just go early, and we could have our meetings before church.
Next step was to mention it to her parents. I spoke with her mom at church the next Sunday, and she seemed to like the idea. She said she'd speak with Bro. Blake about it. I didn't hear anything from them saying we couldn't, so I decided to start actually planning lessons. I knew Autumn was going through a book with Lindsay, and Julia was doing the same book with Lela. But when I checked the library at the church, they were out. So, I decided that until they got some in and I could read it, we'd use the S.O.A.P. Journal idea, with a different chapter of the Bible to study each week. I made a list of some of the chapters that had (in various ways and for various reasons) been brought especially to my attention in recent weeks.
It turned out to be fine for Joy's mother to drop her off at the church when they left VRCA. We agreed to meet at the church on Wednesday evenings at 4:00, so we'd have plenty of time to do our journals, talk about them, have a prayer time, and still have time to eat supper before church started at 6:30.
Last Wednesday was our first meeting, and I was a little nervous. I'd never done anything like this before, and I wanted it to work well and for Joy to enjoy it. We're good friends already, so we have a good foundation. But I want this to be a time for us both to grow.
It went really well! She was already there when I arrived, Rip-Stiking with Nicole's little brother in the gym. There was a folding table and two chairs against one wall, so we sat there. We read the chapter (1 Thessalonians 5 - chock full of good stuff!), did our journaling, then shared what we'd gleaned from it.
My entry:
"
Date: Feb. 6, 2013
Passage: 1 Thessalonians 5
Title: 'Children of Light'
Scripture:
'Ye are the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.' verses 5, 6, & 8
Observation:
The apostle Paul was writing another letter to another one of his churches. He doesn't seem to be reprimanding much in this letter - more like just exhorting, encouraging, and reminding them of things they needed to keep in mind as they went through their ordinary lives. I like how he seems to be stressing basic Christian living in everyday life, and an active spirit towards being Godly.
Application:
This is a good reminder, and certainly a challenge to be aware of how I am living - do I live as a child of Light? I not only want to avoid darkness, I want to display Light!
Prayer:
'Lord help me display Light! I want to be wise and 'sober'. I want to have my armor on and be prepared to defend myself and/or others against obstacles or attacks from children of the night. Thank You'
"
After we were finished, we had a good bit of time still before supper and church. I took my supper (I'd taken it with me) to the fellowship hall in the front and ate there, then went back into the gym. By this time, more kids had arrived, and there were Rip-Stiks and basketballs moving energetically. Bro. Nick came through on his way to the youth room. He saw me, and stopped to ask if I would be interested in participating in a mentoring program he hoped to start doing in the youth group! I laughed and told him I'd certainly be open to it, and that I had started with Joy that very evening! He seemed surprised, but pleased, so we'll see where this whole thing goes!
Isn't it funny sometimes how God works things?!
Several months ago, Oct. 24th to be exact (when Bro. Mike was phasing himself out as Youth Director and Justice was filling in until a new Youth Pastor was found), Justice announced to the youth group one Wednesday night, the possibility of implementing a mentoring program between the older youth and/or college youth, and the younger youth. After announcements, as we walked to the house where we have our Junior High class on Wednesday nights, Piper and I were talking about it.
Piper: 'Are you going to do the discipleship thing?'
Me: 'I don't know, I didn't even know about it until tonight! I hope so; I'd love to! One of the things on my 'bucket list' is to mentor a younger person.'
Piper: 'Well, I think you've probably already been doing alot of that without realizing it.'
I melted on the inside.
But it got me thinking, and later praying. I really did want to do it. But each person I thought of 'mentoring', seemed to have something that wouldn't quite let it work out. So I just kept praying about it.
Eventually, several things began happening that caused Joy to come to mind. I began praying specifically about doing it with her. I had no idea where I would squeeze it into my schedule, but I knew that this desire was in my heart, and if the Lord had put it there and wanted me to mentor her, He would work out details.
I prayed about it for several weeks, then asked Dad and Mom what they thought about it. They said it would be fine, and that maybe it would work out for her mom to drop her off at the church after school on Wednesdays, and I could just go early, and we could have our meetings before church.
Next step was to mention it to her parents. I spoke with her mom at church the next Sunday, and she seemed to like the idea. She said she'd speak with Bro. Blake about it. I didn't hear anything from them saying we couldn't, so I decided to start actually planning lessons. I knew Autumn was going through a book with Lindsay, and Julia was doing the same book with Lela. But when I checked the library at the church, they were out. So, I decided that until they got some in and I could read it, we'd use the S.O.A.P. Journal idea, with a different chapter of the Bible to study each week. I made a list of some of the chapters that had (in various ways and for various reasons) been brought especially to my attention in recent weeks.
It turned out to be fine for Joy's mother to drop her off at the church when they left VRCA. We agreed to meet at the church on Wednesday evenings at 4:00, so we'd have plenty of time to do our journals, talk about them, have a prayer time, and still have time to eat supper before church started at 6:30.
Last Wednesday was our first meeting, and I was a little nervous. I'd never done anything like this before, and I wanted it to work well and for Joy to enjoy it. We're good friends already, so we have a good foundation. But I want this to be a time for us both to grow.
It went really well! She was already there when I arrived, Rip-Stiking with Nicole's little brother in the gym. There was a folding table and two chairs against one wall, so we sat there. We read the chapter (1 Thessalonians 5 - chock full of good stuff!), did our journaling, then shared what we'd gleaned from it.
My entry:
"
Date: Feb. 6, 2013
Passage: 1 Thessalonians 5
Title: 'Children of Light'
Scripture:
'Ye are the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.' verses 5, 6, & 8
Observation:
The apostle Paul was writing another letter to another one of his churches. He doesn't seem to be reprimanding much in this letter - more like just exhorting, encouraging, and reminding them of things they needed to keep in mind as they went through their ordinary lives. I like how he seems to be stressing basic Christian living in everyday life, and an active spirit towards being Godly.
Application:
This is a good reminder, and certainly a challenge to be aware of how I am living - do I live as a child of Light? I not only want to avoid darkness, I want to display Light!
Prayer:
'Lord help me display Light! I want to be wise and 'sober'. I want to have my armor on and be prepared to defend myself and/or others against obstacles or attacks from children of the night. Thank You'
"
After we were finished, we had a good bit of time still before supper and church. I took my supper (I'd taken it with me) to the fellowship hall in the front and ate there, then went back into the gym. By this time, more kids had arrived, and there were Rip-Stiks and basketballs moving energetically. Bro. Nick came through on his way to the youth room. He saw me, and stopped to ask if I would be interested in participating in a mentoring program he hoped to start doing in the youth group! I laughed and told him I'd certainly be open to it, and that I had started with Joy that very evening! He seemed surprised, but pleased, so we'll see where this whole thing goes!
Isn't it funny sometimes how God works things?!
Monday, February 4, 2013
Recent Happenings No. 4
Randomness. Mmhmm, that's me. Squirrel!
This post is the past month in a nutshell. More detailed posts on each event will (hopefully; eventually) come. But until I get time ("time"? What is that again?) to do the type of more detailed posts I want, this will suffice to keep anyone interested at least somewhat up-to-date on my life of late. And boy, it's seemed like a lifetime in a month...
January began with a bang and never seemed to slow down. The sixth through the tenth, Trissy and I were gone on a church mission/service trip to a neighboring state, to do manual labor at a children's home and ranch. Victory Rd. took a group last January, and we went, and I knew I wanted to go back. The group this year consisted of the three youngest S. kids (Law, Abigail, and Piper), Joy, Autumn, Trissy and me, and four other men and women of the church. Landon met us there for part of the time, and it was so good to spend some time with him! Oliver and his wife were on a trip, so we didn't see them this time.
We helped rip up flooring in two of the houses/doorms, we moved furniture and other belongings - from the houses that were going to be renovated, into the new houses - we did a thorough 'spring cleaning' job, etc. But there was relaxing time also, in the early mornings, on breaks, and in the evenings at the cabin. Pumpkin spice muffins, Mtn. Dew, endless games of "Egyptian Rat Race" and "Taboo" (with our own adjusted rules to fit our mood and number of players :) ), times of S.O.A.P. journaling and sharing, and lots of just talking and enjoying each other's company.
It was the first trip without Bro. Mike. And it was different.
Randomness and other lessons to remember from this trip:
1. Overhearing the 'Only-Christian-music-for-30-days-challenge' discussion on the Sunday afternoon ride over - what a blessing!
2. Games with Trissy, Joy, Abigail, and Piper, and Abigail and Piper doing "John-Jacob-Jingleheimer-Smith" (song and 'introduction') on the trip over.
3. Epic Taboo games Monday night, including a sibling-set against sibling-set (Law and Piper vs. Trissy and me), with the others coming and going.
4. Personal thought, "I hate it when I let other people throw me into inner turmoil. Christ is all that matters. Why can’t I be content?!"
5. "I feel like pulling stuff up and stomping on things." -Piper, expressing her enthusiasm about our demolition work Tuesday.
6. Going to church Wednesday night where Landon attends. Encouraging, old-fashioned sermon where the preacher used alot of scripture and didn't apologize about having his audience use their Bibles so much.
7. Personal thought, "You haven't got to follow the crowd. Make up your OWN mind."
8. Personal thought, "That great moment when God shows you how He's been working in the life of someone you've been praying for - indescribable."
9. Joy, Abigail, Piper, Trissy and me and our late-night hilarious game of Taboo while Joy was giving hair-curls.
10. "Look at that lil' baby foot!" -Law, on Autumn's fist 'footprint' in the condensation on the bus window.
11. Sitting curled up on the couch in front of the fire with Piper and Trissy and Joy, telling each other random things and stories about ourselves.
12. The "I'm Thinking Of A Man/Woman/Place In The Bible" game on the way back Thursday.
After getting back into town Thursday evening from the mission trip, I left about noon Friday going with the youth music group to a near-by state to play for a week-end camp sponsored by the church The Grandparents are part of. Justice went as our driver, since he was on the insurance to drive Victory Rd.'s 15-passenger bus, and simply because anything Austin and Archer are part of just isn't complete without Justice :) . Justice, Archer, Julia, Simon and I went on the bus, pulling the trailer with all the instruments and equipment about noon. Austin and Law couldn't get off work until about 3:00, so they were going to come together when they got off. Ava and Noel went also, since their husbands were going :) , but Ava didn't get off work until later in the evening, so Noel stayed in town and rode with her so she wouldn't be driving alone.
It was a really great week-end. Opportunities to share times of praise with other believers, encourage those listening, and be encouraged ourselves by the warmth and enthusiasm of our audience. Times of bonding - the eight of us. Bitter-sweet times - knowing this was Archer's last 'act of leadership' as head of the group, knowing Justice and Noel are looking for the Lord's next place of service for them and may be moving on soon as well. Times of fun - pretend 'zombie' invasions and escapes, music practice and practice and practice, 'the girls' (Noel and Ava) hunting up a gas station to sooth the boys' Mtn. Dew withdrawals and my longing for something healthy to eat, Simon and Law's (and Justice's) bunk-room acrobatics during free time while the rest of us tried to catch up on some much-needed rest, supper at 'Maria's' Mexican restaurant (that took longer to be served than to eat) and mean jokes (meant more to tease me and raise my protest than anything else) on the way back Saturday night. Precious, priceless, blessed memories.
The next day, Sunday, was Bro. Mike and his family's last Sunday at Victory Rd. before leaving as missionaries to the Philippines, and he'd asked that our group do the music service so he could see and hear us one last time. It would actually be the whole church's last time to witness our group lead the music - Archer would be moving the next day to the university. Dear Austin's charge to us as we gathered to pray before the service began: "Let's play our hearts out. This is for Bro. Mike and for Archer." And we did. For our God - Who is our Reason for everything - for our youth pastor - who had poured his spirit into loving and guiding us - and for our friend - our brother.
I don't think I'll ever forget this weekend. One of the most bitter-sweet of my life. I pray I won't.
The next Wednesday night was my turn to teach the lesson with the middle-schoolers. And Bro. Mike's family's last day here. Lots of church folks hung around after the classes were over, exchanging last-minute conversations and telling them good-bye. Trissy and I went next door to their house and visited a while after everyone else had left. They would be going to the airport about 2:00 A.M., so were not planning on going to bed, and it was just so hard to finally say good-bye. I wouldn't let myself think about it being any other than a normal Wednesday night 'bye until after we left.
Separations are hard, but I'm thankful too - I know both Bro. Mike and his wife have been wanting to do mission work, and now the Lord has opened up the way for them to, and for Camille to go with them. That's a whole nother amazing story!
I'm looking forward to hearing about the adventures this new chapter holds for their lives.
Friday (the 18th), two days later, Victory Rd.'s youth group (including Trissy and me) went to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee for the Strength To Stand week-end youth conference. I must admit, by this time I was so tired both in body and in mind that I almost didn't want to go. I had looked forward to it for months, but then found out that several of our college group and closest friends (not to mention Bro. Mike) weren't going to get to go. And with all the good-byes I'd been having to say the past few weeks, I almost had a "What's the point?" mentality. Which is not like me. I don't 'give up', and I hate defeat. I'm telling you, I was just worn out. And it was catching up with me. But then a thought came to mind: Why was I going on this trip in the first place? Was it because I wanted to be close to people, or because I wanted to grow closer to the Lord? Got my attention and kinda helped put things in perspective. Then the day we left, I saw something that one of the teenagers had written concerning their feelings about the trip: 'About to head out to Tennessee... don't want to go. But, I might as well go with an open heart.' I don't know why they didn't want to go, but what a great attitude! I was so encouraged, and resolved to go with my heart open to what the Lord might do in and for me on the trip.
I was not disappointed. In fact, I fell in love all over again with the pure goodness of God. Three sound, timely sermons from thought-provoking preachers; music - some of which I didn't care for - but plenty that lifted me up and carried me away with it's beauty and spiritual richness; fun and joking and camaraderie I enjoyed with a variety of the members of the group; Bro. Nick, the new youth pastor, bravely and successfully learning to captain the 'youth group ship' through the unpredictable waves of our crazy personalities; wholesome mixture of friendships and interaction between older youth and younger youth, adults and youth, newcomers and established 'regulars', etc.; merry chaos as the sounds and activities of almost 40 people filled the cabin we stayed in, and peaceful quiet (in which you could hear the clock ticking on the mantle) as those same nearly 40 people spent personal time in Bible study and prayer.
So, that's January in a nutshell. I have one more thing to tell about that would still be "this past month", though it was yesterday, the 3rd of February. But it's late and I'm in the living room typing and my mom will be up in a few minutes wondering why on earth I'm not in bed yet :) . So I'll save it for later. I'll end with a small thing that provoked big thoughts for me today.
I'm reading Jules Verne's "20,000 Leagues Under The Sea" for the first time. With my love of adventure and reading, especially the good old 'classics', you'd think I'd have read that one by now. But I recently 'discovered' the little library at VRCA and have started taking advantage of it. I just finished chapter 20 - "The Gulf Stream" - and the account of the cyclone. As I put the book down, I thought about "storms", both physical and spiritual. At times, I've found myself subconsciously wishing I could know how my strength would hold up during a real storm. One must be careful what one wishes for, even subconsciously. This past summer (the pain of Mrs. Renae's family leaving Victory Rd. and the withdrawal, so to speak, of Bro. Dennis's family), and this past month (the departure of Bro. Mike's family and of Archer, and the possibility of Justice and Noel, and Austin and Ava moving on also) seemed almost to have been samples - tests of strength the Lord allowed to give me an idea; to try my courage. I was/have been appalled at my lack of resilience in the face of these losses. If it hadn't been for the presence and encouragement of others, would I have held up at all? All these thoughts passed through my head in only a moment, but as I asked this last question, immediately in response came a quiet Whisper in my heart, "Don't worry about that 'what if'. There will always be someone...something. I will never leave you alone." And right away a verse came to mind from Psalm 34 that I'd randomly read this morning: "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all."
SOLI DEO GLORIA!
This post is the past month in a nutshell. More detailed posts on each event will (hopefully; eventually) come. But until I get time ("time"? What is that again?) to do the type of more detailed posts I want, this will suffice to keep anyone interested at least somewhat up-to-date on my life of late. And boy, it's seemed like a lifetime in a month...
January began with a bang and never seemed to slow down. The sixth through the tenth, Trissy and I were gone on a church mission/service trip to a neighboring state, to do manual labor at a children's home and ranch. Victory Rd. took a group last January, and we went, and I knew I wanted to go back. The group this year consisted of the three youngest S. kids (Law, Abigail, and Piper), Joy, Autumn, Trissy and me, and four other men and women of the church. Landon met us there for part of the time, and it was so good to spend some time with him! Oliver and his wife were on a trip, so we didn't see them this time.
We helped rip up flooring in two of the houses/doorms, we moved furniture and other belongings - from the houses that were going to be renovated, into the new houses - we did a thorough 'spring cleaning' job, etc. But there was relaxing time also, in the early mornings, on breaks, and in the evenings at the cabin. Pumpkin spice muffins, Mtn. Dew, endless games of "Egyptian Rat Race" and "Taboo" (with our own adjusted rules to fit our mood and number of players :) ), times of S.O.A.P. journaling and sharing, and lots of just talking and enjoying each other's company.
It was the first trip without Bro. Mike. And it was different.
Randomness and other lessons to remember from this trip:
1. Overhearing the 'Only-Christian-music-for-30-days-challenge' discussion on the Sunday afternoon ride over - what a blessing!
2. Games with Trissy, Joy, Abigail, and Piper, and Abigail and Piper doing "John-Jacob-Jingleheimer-Smith" (song and 'introduction') on the trip over.
3. Epic Taboo games Monday night, including a sibling-set against sibling-set (Law and Piper vs. Trissy and me), with the others coming and going.
4. Personal thought, "I hate it when I let other people throw me into inner turmoil. Christ is all that matters. Why can’t I be content?!"
5. "I feel like pulling stuff up and stomping on things." -Piper, expressing her enthusiasm about our demolition work Tuesday.
6. Going to church Wednesday night where Landon attends. Encouraging, old-fashioned sermon where the preacher used alot of scripture and didn't apologize about having his audience use their Bibles so much.
7. Personal thought, "You haven't got to follow the crowd. Make up your OWN mind."
8. Personal thought, "That great moment when God shows you how He's been working in the life of someone you've been praying for - indescribable."
9. Joy, Abigail, Piper, Trissy and me and our late-night hilarious game of Taboo while Joy was giving hair-curls.
10. "Look at that lil' baby foot!" -Law, on Autumn's fist 'footprint' in the condensation on the bus window.
11. Sitting curled up on the couch in front of the fire with Piper and Trissy and Joy, telling each other random things and stories about ourselves.
12. The "I'm Thinking Of A Man/Woman/Place In The Bible" game on the way back Thursday.
After getting back into town Thursday evening from the mission trip, I left about noon Friday going with the youth music group to a near-by state to play for a week-end camp sponsored by the church The Grandparents are part of. Justice went as our driver, since he was on the insurance to drive Victory Rd.'s 15-passenger bus, and simply because anything Austin and Archer are part of just isn't complete without Justice :) . Justice, Archer, Julia, Simon and I went on the bus, pulling the trailer with all the instruments and equipment about noon. Austin and Law couldn't get off work until about 3:00, so they were going to come together when they got off. Ava and Noel went also, since their husbands were going :) , but Ava didn't get off work until later in the evening, so Noel stayed in town and rode with her so she wouldn't be driving alone.
It was a really great week-end. Opportunities to share times of praise with other believers, encourage those listening, and be encouraged ourselves by the warmth and enthusiasm of our audience. Times of bonding - the eight of us. Bitter-sweet times - knowing this was Archer's last 'act of leadership' as head of the group, knowing Justice and Noel are looking for the Lord's next place of service for them and may be moving on soon as well. Times of fun - pretend 'zombie' invasions and escapes, music practice and practice and practice, 'the girls' (Noel and Ava) hunting up a gas station to sooth the boys' Mtn. Dew withdrawals and my longing for something healthy to eat, Simon and Law's (and Justice's) bunk-room acrobatics during free time while the rest of us tried to catch up on some much-needed rest, supper at 'Maria's' Mexican restaurant (that took longer to be served than to eat) and mean jokes (meant more to tease me and raise my protest than anything else) on the way back Saturday night. Precious, priceless, blessed memories.
The next day, Sunday, was Bro. Mike and his family's last Sunday at Victory Rd. before leaving as missionaries to the Philippines, and he'd asked that our group do the music service so he could see and hear us one last time. It would actually be the whole church's last time to witness our group lead the music - Archer would be moving the next day to the university. Dear Austin's charge to us as we gathered to pray before the service began: "Let's play our hearts out. This is for Bro. Mike and for Archer." And we did. For our God - Who is our Reason for everything - for our youth pastor - who had poured his spirit into loving and guiding us - and for our friend - our brother.
I don't think I'll ever forget this weekend. One of the most bitter-sweet of my life. I pray I won't.
The next Wednesday night was my turn to teach the lesson with the middle-schoolers. And Bro. Mike's family's last day here. Lots of church folks hung around after the classes were over, exchanging last-minute conversations and telling them good-bye. Trissy and I went next door to their house and visited a while after everyone else had left. They would be going to the airport about 2:00 A.M., so were not planning on going to bed, and it was just so hard to finally say good-bye. I wouldn't let myself think about it being any other than a normal Wednesday night 'bye until after we left.
Separations are hard, but I'm thankful too - I know both Bro. Mike and his wife have been wanting to do mission work, and now the Lord has opened up the way for them to, and for Camille to go with them. That's a whole nother amazing story!
I'm looking forward to hearing about the adventures this new chapter holds for their lives.
Friday (the 18th), two days later, Victory Rd.'s youth group (including Trissy and me) went to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee for the Strength To Stand week-end youth conference. I must admit, by this time I was so tired both in body and in mind that I almost didn't want to go. I had looked forward to it for months, but then found out that several of our college group and closest friends (not to mention Bro. Mike) weren't going to get to go. And with all the good-byes I'd been having to say the past few weeks, I almost had a "What's the point?" mentality. Which is not like me. I don't 'give up', and I hate defeat. I'm telling you, I was just worn out. And it was catching up with me. But then a thought came to mind: Why was I going on this trip in the first place? Was it because I wanted to be close to people, or because I wanted to grow closer to the Lord? Got my attention and kinda helped put things in perspective. Then the day we left, I saw something that one of the teenagers had written concerning their feelings about the trip: 'About to head out to Tennessee... don't want to go. But, I might as well go with an open heart.' I don't know why they didn't want to go, but what a great attitude! I was so encouraged, and resolved to go with my heart open to what the Lord might do in and for me on the trip.
I was not disappointed. In fact, I fell in love all over again with the pure goodness of God. Three sound, timely sermons from thought-provoking preachers; music - some of which I didn't care for - but plenty that lifted me up and carried me away with it's beauty and spiritual richness; fun and joking and camaraderie I enjoyed with a variety of the members of the group; Bro. Nick, the new youth pastor, bravely and successfully learning to captain the 'youth group ship' through the unpredictable waves of our crazy personalities; wholesome mixture of friendships and interaction between older youth and younger youth, adults and youth, newcomers and established 'regulars', etc.; merry chaos as the sounds and activities of almost 40 people filled the cabin we stayed in, and peaceful quiet (in which you could hear the clock ticking on the mantle) as those same nearly 40 people spent personal time in Bible study and prayer.
So, that's January in a nutshell. I have one more thing to tell about that would still be "this past month", though it was yesterday, the 3rd of February. But it's late and I'm in the living room typing and my mom will be up in a few minutes wondering why on earth I'm not in bed yet :) . So I'll save it for later. I'll end with a small thing that provoked big thoughts for me today.
I'm reading Jules Verne's "20,000 Leagues Under The Sea" for the first time. With my love of adventure and reading, especially the good old 'classics', you'd think I'd have read that one by now. But I recently 'discovered' the little library at VRCA and have started taking advantage of it. I just finished chapter 20 - "The Gulf Stream" - and the account of the cyclone. As I put the book down, I thought about "storms", both physical and spiritual. At times, I've found myself subconsciously wishing I could know how my strength would hold up during a real storm. One must be careful what one wishes for, even subconsciously. This past summer (the pain of Mrs. Renae's family leaving Victory Rd. and the withdrawal, so to speak, of Bro. Dennis's family), and this past month (the departure of Bro. Mike's family and of Archer, and the possibility of Justice and Noel, and Austin and Ava moving on also) seemed almost to have been samples - tests of strength the Lord allowed to give me an idea; to try my courage. I was/have been appalled at my lack of resilience in the face of these losses. If it hadn't been for the presence and encouragement of others, would I have held up at all? All these thoughts passed through my head in only a moment, but as I asked this last question, immediately in response came a quiet Whisper in my heart, "Don't worry about that 'what if'. There will always be someone...something. I will never leave you alone." And right away a verse came to mind from Psalm 34 that I'd randomly read this morning: "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all."
SOLI DEO GLORIA!
Sunday, January 13, 2013
"Hallelujah, For All You've Done"
What a hard, wonderful, tortuous morning.
Thursday Bro. Mike and his family will leave for their new roles as over-seas missionaries. Since this was his last Sunday, he asked if our youth music group would lead the music service this morning so he could see and hear us together one more time.
It was also our last time to play together as the group we are - Austin, Archer, Julia, Simon, Law, and me. This is Archer's last week-end home before leaving for university this week.
I took my little camera, two memory cards, and my tripod, and set it up to try to video this bit of our history. I was going to get Trissy to run it, but Ava saw me setting up and offered to do it, since she sits closer to the front than my family does, and might could get a better/closer video. Sweet Ava. I gladly accepted.
As Sunday School was letting out and people were beginning to fill up the auditorium, Austin, me, Archer, Law, and Simon (Julia had gone to get or do something, I don't remember what) gathered in a little circle over in the left-hand corner of the stage before the service began. Before having prayer together as we always try to do before we play, dear Austin spoke to us for a moment, charging us with the importance of what we were fixing to do. Not only were we to play, as is always the goal, for the glory of our God, but today we were also honoring Bro. Mike, who'd stood by us and poured so much of himself into the youth of the church, and Archer who, with Austin, had co-led the group and who'd been with us so long and who now was moving on. This would be our last time to play together. "This is for Bro. Mike and Archer. Let's play our hearts out."
And I think we did.
The songs we did were a reflection of our history together - perhaps unintentionally, but I noticed it later - and fitting for the occasion.
"I Saw The Light", a wonderful toe-tapping spiritual,
"For All You've Done", praising the Lord for His goodness and kindness,
"Beneath The Waters", proclaiming our faith in God and telling the story of our salvation,
"10,000 Reasons", praising God for His goodness in the past and asking for His grace to serve Him in the future, and the
"Revelation Song", simply worshiping our awesome Lord. Also, Austin had sung the "Revelation Song" on the Sunday before he left for an almost-year-long mission trip in a dangerous over-seas country, three and a half years ago. This is the Sunday before Bro. Mike's family leaves for an over-seas mission field.
For the 'invitation song' after Bro. Earl preached, we did
"Sometimes", which is simply a cry from a weak human heart, admitting fear, yet expressing a joyful abandon to the whirlwind of God's plans. One of the lines is "Where You go, we will follow, oh, God send me!". Pretty fitting I thought.
For the 'leaving song' as some of them call it (when the service has been dismissed, and the musicians just play a little bit as people begin leaving or milling around talking to each other), we did one that some of us really like and others of us really don't, but it sounds good and it's fun to play :) .
So, a variety of our favorites, gathered from our months together, and a last tribute to those who've encouraged us, to each other, and to God Who put us together and blessed us with this time of our lives.
Austin had said, "Let's play our hearts out. This is for Bro. Mike and Archer." And Archer, in his characteristic mix of kindness and matter-of-fact cheekiness, stated, "But for Jesus mostly."
Amen. Always.
Thursday Bro. Mike and his family will leave for their new roles as over-seas missionaries. Since this was his last Sunday, he asked if our youth music group would lead the music service this morning so he could see and hear us together one more time.
It was also our last time to play together as the group we are - Austin, Archer, Julia, Simon, Law, and me. This is Archer's last week-end home before leaving for university this week.
I took my little camera, two memory cards, and my tripod, and set it up to try to video this bit of our history. I was going to get Trissy to run it, but Ava saw me setting up and offered to do it, since she sits closer to the front than my family does, and might could get a better/closer video. Sweet Ava. I gladly accepted.
As Sunday School was letting out and people were beginning to fill up the auditorium, Austin, me, Archer, Law, and Simon (Julia had gone to get or do something, I don't remember what) gathered in a little circle over in the left-hand corner of the stage before the service began. Before having prayer together as we always try to do before we play, dear Austin spoke to us for a moment, charging us with the importance of what we were fixing to do. Not only were we to play, as is always the goal, for the glory of our God, but today we were also honoring Bro. Mike, who'd stood by us and poured so much of himself into the youth of the church, and Archer who, with Austin, had co-led the group and who'd been with us so long and who now was moving on. This would be our last time to play together. "This is for Bro. Mike and Archer. Let's play our hearts out."
And I think we did.
The songs we did were a reflection of our history together - perhaps unintentionally, but I noticed it later - and fitting for the occasion.
"I Saw The Light", a wonderful toe-tapping spiritual,
"For All You've Done", praising the Lord for His goodness and kindness,
"Beneath The Waters", proclaiming our faith in God and telling the story of our salvation,
"10,000 Reasons", praising God for His goodness in the past and asking for His grace to serve Him in the future, and the
"Revelation Song", simply worshiping our awesome Lord. Also, Austin had sung the "Revelation Song" on the Sunday before he left for an almost-year-long mission trip in a dangerous over-seas country, three and a half years ago. This is the Sunday before Bro. Mike's family leaves for an over-seas mission field.
For the 'invitation song' after Bro. Earl preached, we did
"Sometimes", which is simply a cry from a weak human heart, admitting fear, yet expressing a joyful abandon to the whirlwind of God's plans. One of the lines is "Where You go, we will follow, oh, God send me!". Pretty fitting I thought.
For the 'leaving song' as some of them call it (when the service has been dismissed, and the musicians just play a little bit as people begin leaving or milling around talking to each other), we did one that some of us really like and others of us really don't, but it sounds good and it's fun to play :) .
So, a variety of our favorites, gathered from our months together, and a last tribute to those who've encouraged us, to each other, and to God Who put us together and blessed us with this time of our lives.
Austin had said, "Let's play our hearts out. This is for Bro. Mike and Archer." And Archer, in his characteristic mix of kindness and matter-of-fact cheekiness, stated, "But for Jesus mostly."
Amen. Always.
Friday, January 4, 2013
"5 Small Things Friday" No. 66
Go back and read this post for the story behind "Five Small Things Friday".
For this week, here is my list:
1. Sight: Austin And Ava's Wedding
2. Hearing: 'Pop-Culture' Discussion
3. Smell: Evergreen Candle
4. Taste: Chicken Gumbo
5. Touch: Hug From Austin
The stories behind the list:
1. Saturday was such a blessing. I wish somehow I could capture the whole day on paper, but I just don't think I have the talent to paint the magic like I'd want to. See THIS post for my thoughts in a nutshell.
2. I don't remember how we got into it, but Tuesday at music practice, Julia and I began discussing music and movies and TV, with Law listening and chiming in every now and then. I mentioned how some people say that such-and-such was a "good" movie or a "good" song, but their meaning of the word "good" doesn't seem to be what I think of when I say "good". She asked me what I meant, and I tried to explain how I feel - that certain content or messages automatically negate a movie or song from being good. Things influence you. People are different in their levels of strength, but no matter how strong you are, negative content is going to affect you to some degree. Even if it's not 'real'. And I'd just rather err on the side of caution; if I feel my conscience twinge at something, I'd rather just avoid it and play it safe.
I hope I got across what I meant without seeming judgmental towards people who do watch or listen to things I disagree with. The last thing I'd want would be to seem 'holier-than-thou' and hurt somebody! But Julia seemed to understand what I was trying to say, and I was thankful. I was also surprised and encouraged that Law was listening to our conversation, and kept agreeing with what I said!
It was just a good, open, honest discussion, and I love those.
3. Mom has a little evergreen-scented jar candle, and somebody (either she or Trissy, don't know which) lit it Thursday and the whole living room/kitchen/dining room part of the house smelled wonderful.
4. Trissy made chicken gumbo Wednesday, and Trissy makes the best chicken gumbo. End of story.
5. We (Trissy and I) didn't know until the last minute if we'd get to go to Austin and Ava's wedding. Dad and Mom weren't going to get to go, and they wouldn't let us drive that far by ourselves. So unless we could get a ride, we'd have to miss it. Which would have been so heart-breaking. But the Lord worked it out and at the last minute we found that we could ride with Bro. Blake and the rest of that crew. We'd told Austin and Ava that we might not make it, so they didn't know we were coming. When we walked in the door, most of the groomsmen, Austin, and Bro. Earl and Mrs. Shannen were standing in the church entry-way, greeting those coming in. When Austin saw us, he didn't say anything, he just walked over and hugged us with that million-dollar grin lighting up his face. Words weren't necessary.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Looking Forward
I must confess, in many respects I am not looking forward to January. In fact, I'm dreading it. The new year is expected to bring many changes. And not all of them are happy ones.
I don't like change anyway. At least not to a large extent. I like things to get comfortable - and stay that way.
A few things this January is bringing that I am not looking forward to:
(1) Bro. Mike and his wife and Camille leaving as missionaries to the Philippines.
(2) A new youth pastor and his family coming to take Bro. Mike's family's place.
(3) Justice and Noel (who'd applied to fill Bro. Mike's position but were not chosen) possibly moving to the 'big city' a few hours north to be over the youth ministry at a church there.
(4) Archer leaving the youth music group to go to college an hour away, and therefore also
(5) The beginning of the disintegration of the youth music group as it is now: Austin, Archer, me, Julia, Simon, and Law.
A few things this January is bringing that I am looking forward to:
(1) Another church mission trip to the children's home and ranch in a neighboring state.
(2) A week-end retreat/youth conference led by the church The Grandparents attend. The youth pastor has asked our youth music group to be the music leaders for it.
(3) The Strength to Stand conference in Tennessee.
Besides these things, I have a mild but uncharacteristic fear when I think of the coming year. So much has changed this past year that I so completely did not see coming. Good and bad.
I have an indomitable hope that the new year will bring the kind of change that will move us as a church back to the blessed ground we stood on at the beginning of 2012, and even move us higher! For that is the goal - higher, always higher; in service for the Lord and growth in His ways.
The struggles and losses and heartbreak of this past summer, especially coming after the soaring gladnesses that there had been... I shudder when I look mentally at the mountain that is before us, taunting us to try to overcome. Us as a church. Us as individuals.
Where are we going? Will we be strong in the face of discouragement or worse? What does 2013 bring us? When Dec. 31, 2013 comes and we turn to look at the past year for the last time, will we see loss or gain? Victory or defeat? Tears of joy or tears of sadness? Black clouds or bright sunlight?
And so I fight my battle against worry. Against fear.
I am afraid. I am hopeful, but I am afraid. Is it wrong to admit it? I don't think so. For I know in Whom I trust. I know my Lord has it all planned out, and nothing that happens, or doesn't, is outside of His doing and control.
God help us be true!
I don't like change anyway. At least not to a large extent. I like things to get comfortable - and stay that way.
A few things this January is bringing that I am not looking forward to:
(1) Bro. Mike and his wife and Camille leaving as missionaries to the Philippines.
(2) A new youth pastor and his family coming to take Bro. Mike's family's place.
(3) Justice and Noel (who'd applied to fill Bro. Mike's position but were not chosen) possibly moving to the 'big city' a few hours north to be over the youth ministry at a church there.
(4) Archer leaving the youth music group to go to college an hour away, and therefore also
(5) The beginning of the disintegration of the youth music group as it is now: Austin, Archer, me, Julia, Simon, and Law.
A few things this January is bringing that I am looking forward to:
(1) Another church mission trip to the children's home and ranch in a neighboring state.
(2) A week-end retreat/youth conference led by the church The Grandparents attend. The youth pastor has asked our youth music group to be the music leaders for it.
(3) The Strength to Stand conference in Tennessee.
Besides these things, I have a mild but uncharacteristic fear when I think of the coming year. So much has changed this past year that I so completely did not see coming. Good and bad.
I have an indomitable hope that the new year will bring the kind of change that will move us as a church back to the blessed ground we stood on at the beginning of 2012, and even move us higher! For that is the goal - higher, always higher; in service for the Lord and growth in His ways.
The struggles and losses and heartbreak of this past summer, especially coming after the soaring gladnesses that there had been... I shudder when I look mentally at the mountain that is before us, taunting us to try to overcome. Us as a church. Us as individuals.
Where are we going? Will we be strong in the face of discouragement or worse? What does 2013 bring us? When Dec. 31, 2013 comes and we turn to look at the past year for the last time, will we see loss or gain? Victory or defeat? Tears of joy or tears of sadness? Black clouds or bright sunlight?
And so I fight my battle against worry. Against fear.
I am afraid. I am hopeful, but I am afraid. Is it wrong to admit it? I don't think so. For I know in Whom I trust. I know my Lord has it all planned out, and nothing that happens, or doesn't, is outside of His doing and control.
God help us be true!
Monday, October 8, 2012
Birthday Gift - Birthday Weight
On my birthday recently, Mrs. S., Abigail, and Piper came over for a couple of hours. They'd asked the Sunday before if they could, and I'd so been looking forward to it!
A polite knock sounded at the front door, and Trissy, though she was practically there, stepped back and motioned for me to get it.
I swung the door wide, and there stood the three S. ladies: Mrs. S. on the top step at the door, Piper on a step below her - holding a plate of chocolate chip cookies and a small brown paper bag tied with beige ribbon - and Abigail with a red paper sign and a bulging black garbage bag standing in the grass at the bottom of the steps. As the door opened, they all called, "Happy Birthday!!", Piper waving and Abigail holding up the red paper sign with my name on it.
I invited them in, giving and receiving hugs as they filed by into the warm house.
They'd made the cookies, and Piper stressed that I was not to return the plate - it was for me too :) . It's a lovely ceramic fall plate, with a simple painted design of a red maple leaf, a yellow oak leaf, and a cluster of orange pecan leaves, and the word, "Thankful" in gold across the center. They know me so well.
The small brown paper bag was a late birthday present for Trissy - a nice paperweight with a redbird on it, and a lovely little round pop-open pocket mirror that has a colorful and intricate mandala design on the lid.
The red paper sign was designed and made by Abigail, using red paper, navy paper, and white star stickers. She had doodled my name in marker in the center, framed it with popsicle sticks marker-colored dark blue, and hung it with a red white and blue ribbon. On the back she wrote me a *letter I will always treasure. So perfect - handmade and patriotic.
The big garbage bag had me quite curious. Abigail lifted it easily over the back of the couch as Mrs. S. explained that it was an idea they'd seen online - blow up the number of balloons as birthday years, and put a note to the birthday person in each balloon. They've got to pop the balloons to get the notes. What a meaningful gift!
We all sat on the couch or in the chairs of the living room. Mom and Mrs. S. chatted as I began taking balloons out of the bag. I winced as I popped each one with a pearl-headed corsage pin Mom found me, and silently read the notes inside.
There were notes from Julia, Julia's mom, Autumn, Henley, Joy, Mr. S., Mrs. S., and many from Abigail and Piper - one note for each year of my life. Piper said Archer had wanted to write one also, but just forgot and then didn't have time before leaving for work that morning. They had wanted to get alot more people in the church to write some of them, but had run out of time and opportunities.
Each note warmed my heart, and sobered my conscience. Some showed insight into myself that I didn't know other people had noticed. All said something about my life and character and how it had touched others.
What a gift.
What a weight.
Oh how I desire these things to be true!! As I took out each bit of colored paper and read each message of love and affirmation, what a monumental responsibility I felt and realized that I have that I must live up to! How I pray that God would help me be worthy of the love and respect of these dear dear friends. May He give me grace to never let them down, and wisdom to be a friend and influence that would always point them to Him.
*Note: I decided to record here the letter from Abigail on the back of the sign she made me. Words of love from a teen-age heart. Such an encouragement. Such a challenge. Such a treasure. I want to always remember.
"Happy birthday Kyrie!!!
I hope this is the BEST birthday EVER!! You are so special to my family and I! I love how you always have a smile on your face, and how you bring smiles to everyone elses face! =)
Everything you do, I see Jesus in it! You make me want to be a better person!
Thank you for always being there for me, and I will always be there for you! <3
Love you lots and lots <3
Your friend,
Abigail S."
A polite knock sounded at the front door, and Trissy, though she was practically there, stepped back and motioned for me to get it.
I swung the door wide, and there stood the three S. ladies: Mrs. S. on the top step at the door, Piper on a step below her - holding a plate of chocolate chip cookies and a small brown paper bag tied with beige ribbon - and Abigail with a red paper sign and a bulging black garbage bag standing in the grass at the bottom of the steps. As the door opened, they all called, "Happy Birthday!!", Piper waving and Abigail holding up the red paper sign with my name on it.
I invited them in, giving and receiving hugs as they filed by into the warm house.
They'd made the cookies, and Piper stressed that I was not to return the plate - it was for me too :) . It's a lovely ceramic fall plate, with a simple painted design of a red maple leaf, a yellow oak leaf, and a cluster of orange pecan leaves, and the word, "Thankful" in gold across the center. They know me so well.
The small brown paper bag was a late birthday present for Trissy - a nice paperweight with a redbird on it, and a lovely little round pop-open pocket mirror that has a colorful and intricate mandala design on the lid.
The red paper sign was designed and made by Abigail, using red paper, navy paper, and white star stickers. She had doodled my name in marker in the center, framed it with popsicle sticks marker-colored dark blue, and hung it with a red white and blue ribbon. On the back she wrote me a *letter I will always treasure. So perfect - handmade and patriotic.
The big garbage bag had me quite curious. Abigail lifted it easily over the back of the couch as Mrs. S. explained that it was an idea they'd seen online - blow up the number of balloons as birthday years, and put a note to the birthday person in each balloon. They've got to pop the balloons to get the notes. What a meaningful gift!
We all sat on the couch or in the chairs of the living room. Mom and Mrs. S. chatted as I began taking balloons out of the bag. I winced as I popped each one with a pearl-headed corsage pin Mom found me, and silently read the notes inside.
There were notes from Julia, Julia's mom, Autumn, Henley, Joy, Mr. S., Mrs. S., and many from Abigail and Piper - one note for each year of my life. Piper said Archer had wanted to write one also, but just forgot and then didn't have time before leaving for work that morning. They had wanted to get alot more people in the church to write some of them, but had run out of time and opportunities.
Each note warmed my heart, and sobered my conscience. Some showed insight into myself that I didn't know other people had noticed. All said something about my life and character and how it had touched others.
What a gift.
What a weight.
Oh how I desire these things to be true!! As I took out each bit of colored paper and read each message of love and affirmation, what a monumental responsibility I felt and realized that I have that I must live up to! How I pray that God would help me be worthy of the love and respect of these dear dear friends. May He give me grace to never let them down, and wisdom to be a friend and influence that would always point them to Him.
*Note: I decided to record here the letter from Abigail on the back of the sign she made me. Words of love from a teen-age heart. Such an encouragement. Such a challenge. Such a treasure. I want to always remember.
"Happy birthday Kyrie!!!
I hope this is the BEST birthday EVER!! You are so special to my family and I! I love how you always have a smile on your face, and how you bring smiles to everyone elses face! =)
Everything you do, I see Jesus in it! You make me want to be a better person!
Thank you for always being there for me, and I will always be there for you! <3
Love you lots and lots <3
Your friend,
Abigail S."
Saturday, May 5, 2012
"with my whole heart ... will I sing praise unto Thee."
The Sunday morning after a 5th Sunday, the youth music group leads the music part of the service, for the dual purpose of giving them experience and also to give most of the usual musicians a break (though Austin, Archer, and Law are part of the youth group and the main group, so they play either way). So Austin called for a practice last night.
It would be my first time to play with them for a Sunday morning, so I'd never been at one of those practices and didn't know how one usually went. According to the others, it went much different than usual.
We were going to do five songs, but only had two decided on, so after a brief consultation we selected three others, Austin printed the sheets for everyone, and we got started.
There was the usual guitar tuning, joking, bossing, and generally good-natured carrying on. But the electrical system was acting really crazy and messing up the volumes, Law's cable wouldn't stay plugged in, we had to re-listen to a couple of the longer songs to make sure we were doing them right, it was the end of a long day and we were tired, few of us had eaten supper yet so we were hungry, and lots of other little discouragements and inconveniences kept coming up.
Yet somehow, we had an absolutely amazing time. I think each person commented or told me at some point that it was the longest and most meaningful practice they'd ever had when preparing for a Sunday morning. As Simon said, 'We're not rehearsing, we're practicing.' which I took to mean that we weren't just going through motions we'd learned and that had become all habit and no heart; each one was really putting his or her heart into it, seeming to dedicate himself to doing his best for the glory of the Lord.
We worked hard, fine-tuning until each thing was right, or at least close enough to being right so that it would be easy when we ran through everything one more time Sunday morning before services. And we seemed to have a freedom to worship God with our music that isn't always there when in front of an audience; after all, we weren't playing for anybody... God and Joy were the only ones there to hear us, so we just practiced to Him! It was really a meaningful, sweet time. Helping, encouraging, and challenging one another, and prayerfully begging the Lord to give us hearts that would sing and play only for Him and His glory.
Here's what I jotted down later in my 'Tidbits from Life' journal:
"Practice from 5:00 until past 7:30 - for youth-led music Sun. morn. Hard work, great fellowship, successful practice; the presence of the Holy Spirit was there & we just played for God. I think everyone commented that it had been the longest & the best practice they'd ever had. Sweet time."
How thankful I am for each of these dear young people! Austin, Archer, Julia, Law, and Simon. How blessed I am that the Lord has allowed me the privilege of sharing in their wonderful talents. Oh may we only ever use them for Him!
It would be my first time to play with them for a Sunday morning, so I'd never been at one of those practices and didn't know how one usually went. According to the others, it went much different than usual.
We were going to do five songs, but only had two decided on, so after a brief consultation we selected three others, Austin printed the sheets for everyone, and we got started.
There was the usual guitar tuning, joking, bossing, and generally good-natured carrying on. But the electrical system was acting really crazy and messing up the volumes, Law's cable wouldn't stay plugged in, we had to re-listen to a couple of the longer songs to make sure we were doing them right, it was the end of a long day and we were tired, few of us had eaten supper yet so we were hungry, and lots of other little discouragements and inconveniences kept coming up.
Yet somehow, we had an absolutely amazing time. I think each person commented or told me at some point that it was the longest and most meaningful practice they'd ever had when preparing for a Sunday morning. As Simon said, 'We're not rehearsing, we're practicing.' which I took to mean that we weren't just going through motions we'd learned and that had become all habit and no heart; each one was really putting his or her heart into it, seeming to dedicate himself to doing his best for the glory of the Lord.
We worked hard, fine-tuning until each thing was right, or at least close enough to being right so that it would be easy when we ran through everything one more time Sunday morning before services. And we seemed to have a freedom to worship God with our music that isn't always there when in front of an audience; after all, we weren't playing for anybody... God and Joy were the only ones there to hear us, so we just practiced to Him! It was really a meaningful, sweet time. Helping, encouraging, and challenging one another, and prayerfully begging the Lord to give us hearts that would sing and play only for Him and His glory.
Here's what I jotted down later in my 'Tidbits from Life' journal:
"Practice from 5:00 until past 7:30 - for youth-led music Sun. morn. Hard work, great fellowship, successful practice; the presence of the Holy Spirit was there & we just played for God. I think everyone commented that it had been the longest & the best practice they'd ever had. Sweet time."
How thankful I am for each of these dear young people! Austin, Archer, Julia, Law, and Simon. How blessed I am that the Lord has allowed me the privilege of sharing in their wonderful talents. Oh may we only ever use them for Him!
Monday, April 30, 2012
"...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<><
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:
"
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?
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<><
Friday, April 6, 2012
"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.
Friday, March 2, 2012
"5 Small Things Friday" No. 22
Go back and read this post for the story behind "Five Small Things Friday".
For this week, here is my list:
1. Sight: Clouds And Kids At VRCA
2. Hearing: First Practice With The Youth Music Group
3. Smell: Burnt Squash
4. Taste: Frosted Mini Wheats
5. Touch: Going Barefoot On Our Carpet
The stories behind the list:
1. At after-school Wednesday, I was outside with the kids, and I believe it was one of them that noticed and pointed out the majestic-ness of the huge clouds moving slowly across the sky overhead. The afternoon sun shining through the trees at the edge of the school yard also shone gloriously through the spaces in the great clouds, making them brilliant shades of silver, gray, and pure white, and gilding the edges with dazzling gold. The kids as they stood still, play forgotten, mesmerized by the beautiful sight and staring up at the sky with gaping mouths and curious eyes, were as wonderful to see as the clouds themselves.
2. Well, Tuesday was the fulfillment of a long-held, but contentedly-suppressed dream of mine: To play keyboard for/with our group of young musicians at the church, who play for the young people's class on Wednesday nights (and for the Sunday morning service on the first Sunday of the month after a "5th Sunday").
Andrea had to have surgery to fix an ankle injury, and this past Thursday instead of having our college-age Bible Study, we took the church van and went and visited her. Austin, Archer, Aron, Henley, and Timothy, and Trissy and I were the ones that went. Austin and Archer had bought a special cable to hook up her TV with a DVD player or something right beside her bed so she could watch it without having to bother her mom to come put on something for her. She was pretty thrilled :) . After the boys got it hooked up, we all sat or stood around in her little room for a while, watching the "Swamp People" show that was on, and chatting during commercials. During one, Austin turned to me and asked, "So what are you doing Tuesday night?" I thought for a minute, but couldn't think of anything that I knew of, and asked how come he was wondering. I had forgotten that the youth music group practiced on Tuesday nights. He asked if I'd like to come and play keyboard for them. Would I?! I said I'd love to, but I didn't know how to play chords, which I knew was what they needed. He and Archer (who was listening by this time) both said that was no big deal, I could learn, and they would help me along if I needed it. I thanked them and said I'd ask Dad and Mom and let them know.
I was thrilled! I'd been secretly wishing I could play with the group for a while, but 1) I knew I couldn't play chords, 2) I hadn't been invited, and 3) I enjoyed listening to them! and if I was playing, I'd be on that side of it instead. So I was satisfied where I was, and tried to give encouragement and support to them whenever I could. Now I was being given this honor, and even if Dad and Mom said no, I'd still have that warm feeling of knowing they had wanted me. But Dad and Mom said yes, and Tuesday night was my first practice! I spent a huge part of the day Monday looking up YouTube videos and chording music, trying to teach myself enough to get started, or so that I could at least ask intelligent questions if I needed to.
But it really wasn't that hard. I found an excellent, simple, instruction video on YouTube, learned the basic chords and how to read them, and got off to a good start with my keyboard chording education :) !
So Tuesday night rolled around, and I got to the church a little before time, just to make sure I'd be there on time! The boys set up the keyboard, and put me right in the center of the group. That turned out to be just perfect for me starting out. That way I had each of them right next to me, and it was pretty hard to get lost - I could just tilt my head one way or another and hear whichever instrument loud and clear that could help me keep on track.
Julia singing slightly ahead to my right, helped me keep my place and where we were in the song. Law and his bass guitar slightly behind to my right, picking each bass note strong so I could tell which chord I was supposed to be playing right then. Simon on the drums behind and on my left, helped me feel the timing. Archer strumming his acoustic guitar ahead to my left, led the rhythm and helped me feel when we were fixing to change chords. Austin directly in front of me, either picking on his electric guitar, singing, or playing his cajon (Pronounced, "kuh-HONE". It's a box drum.), filled in the spaces and kept everything together.
It was challenging, but not overwhelming, everything sounded really good, and I appreciated again the talent and great potential the Lord has given to these young people. When we said good night and I left, I felt like I was on cloud nine.
3. Bless her heart one of our family cooks (I won't name which one) fixed squash for our lunch Thursday, but it burnt. Not so bad that we couldn't eat it, but you could smell it. And it smelt for all the world like cigarette smoke! The whole house smelled like that for quite a while, and it brought back memories of sad classmates I had in college that would smell like that. It made me thankful that the Lord has blessed me with a family that doesn't smoke.
4. Thursday night coming in from College Bible Study I was so hungry, and I was going to spend the night with The Grandparents. Whenever I'm at their house and I'm hungry, all I want is cereal! Jaylyn and Jewel, y'all know what I'm talking about! The Grandmother is famous among the grandchildren for having a stash of various cereals that she keeps for us :) . Bless her heart! I came in Thursday night, and she sent me into the kitchen for a bowl of Frosted Mini Wheats. They were SO good!
5. Our carpet is several years old and rather worn in spots, but Monday morning the weather was so fresh and cool (not cold) that I went barefoot all morning. That wonderful old carpet felt SO fluffy and soft under my feet!
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!!
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