humbled

April 30th is here already! Here I was, leisurely writing an email to Mari then I checked my FW email account (because I'm very ADD) and Hoomi had his FF all ready to go.  I am sleeping on the job this week.  Anyway, here I am. Up and running.  Almost.

Come join us.  Share one of your stories and link here or enjoy the stories and leave a comment to encourage our authors.  Happy Friday!

Okay.  I'm at school, settled.  I pulled my last entry I wrote for the reader.  I wrote it in about ten minutes.  I thought maybe I would add to it and decided, no.  It was enough.  So here it is.  Short and sweet.  

Humbled

The darkness began to close in on me at an alarming speed.  As my eyes grew weaker and weaker, my glasses got stronger and stronger.  I sat in my room and admired the books that lined my shelves – years of accumulation.  These books transported me to places I would never travel.  They made me laugh aloud at their silliness and cry at the same time.  Others expanded my mind.  They also schooled me in my illness.  They prepared me for what was to come. 

I knew but I chose to ignore the outcome.  If I thought of it too often, it might really come true.  I didn’t want that.  I am a reader.  I can’t be separated from my books.  God wouldn’t do that to me. 

Wrong.  I was wrong.  I woke up one morning to total darkness.  It happened.  My Braille cards sat on my bed stand where they had been for a year.  I should have studied.  I shouldn’t have ignored the inevitable. 

Now I sit.  I sit at a table where a young man holds my finger and runs it along a page.  I have to memorize the placement of each dot.  My mind is old.  It learned the alphabet once and now it’s made to learn it again.  I don’t think I can do it but I must.  I must be able to read again.  Myself.  Alone in a room.  No noise.  Just the turning of pages. 

I was the reader.  Now I am a humble learner, proud is no longer a word in my vocabulary.  Soon, God willing, I will be a reader again.  I will be a reader again. 

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The Roman Road

It's important for us all to know how to explain the plan of salvation to anyone who asks.  The Roman Road is a great way to do this.

Romans 3:23, (All have sinned and fall short)
"All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Romans 6:23 (bad news - sin is death; good news - God provides a gift)
"The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 5:8 (God's unconditional love)
"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Romans 10:9-10  (importance of believing in and confessing Christ)
"That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."

Romans 6:4  (symbolism of baptism)
"We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ as was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."

Romans 12:1-2 (spiritual act of worship - be transformed - don't conform!)
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God -- this is your spiritual act of worship.  Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing, and perfect will."

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Stand at Attention!

Psalm 29  from The Message

  ^1-2 Bravo, God, bravo! Gods and all angels shout, "Encore!"

   In awe before the glory,

      in awe before God's visible power.

   Stand at attention!

      Dress your best to honor him!

 ³ God thunders across the waters,

   Brilliant, his voice and his face, streaming brightness—

   God, across the flood waters.

 ⁴ God's thunder tympanic,

   God's thunder symphonic.

 ⁵ God's thunder smashes cedars,

   God topples the northern cedars.

 ⁶ The mountain ranges skip like spring colts,

   The high ridges jump like wild kid goats.

 ^7-8 God's thunder spits fire.

   God thunders, the wilderness quakes;

   He makes the desert of Kadesh shake.

 ⁹ God's thunder sets the oak trees dancing

   A wild dance, whirling; the pelting rain strips their branches.

   We fall to our knees—we call out, "Glory!"

 ¹⁰ Above the floodwaters is God's throne

      from which his power flows,

      from which he rules the world.

 ¹¹ God makes his people strong.

   God gives his people peace.

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Sunday in the Word -- Salvation Road

I thought I would share the sermon that Greg Taylor preached today from First Christian Church of Clinton, Illinois.  I never know who might end up finding this blog.  This blog post is for that certain person yet we all need reminded of these truths.  Come walk with me down Salvation Road, otherwise known as the Roman Highway.

Scripture from last week that should be in all of our heads:

Romans 3:23 (NIV)  "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Romans 6:23 (NIV) "for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord!"

This week, Greg talked about Grace:

G --God's
R --Riches
A --At
C --Christ's
E --Expense

3rd key scripture to memorize:

Romans 5:8 (NIV) "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Grace is an 'undeserved blessing,' it is 'unmerited favor.'
Grace can't be earned or bought.
Grace is free, but not cheap.

4th key scripture to memorize:

Romans 10:9 (NIV)  "That is you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."

All we have to do to claim this gift of God's Grace:

Confess with your mouth - Jesus is Lord
Believe in your heart - God raised Jesus from the dead.

Remember this:  God's grace is GREATER than all our sin!

Thank you, Greg, for this wonderful reminder to all of us who are saved, and to others, I pray that this ministers to you.

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Super Kate! -- Friday Fiction

Shelley Ledfors is hosting Friday Fiction today. Go on over to her blog and check out the great stories posted there! Don't forget to leave a comment:)


Summer bliss… No school. The one child left at home is gone for the week. I lay in bed thinking about getting up, but why? There is nothing I absolutely have to do. I don’t have to move an inch. I don’t even have to get dressed.

My quiet solitude is interrupted by the phone. I answer, relieved to hear an automated call. I hang up. I settle back down when the phone rings again. I give it the evil eye hen lazily pick it up to find out who the annoying caller is. My neighbor. I answer, I’m not sure why.

“Kate, want to go for a walk today?” The little girl voice begs me across the phone line from half a mile away.

I hesitate. The bed feels so good and the fan has just the right whirr to put me back to sleep. I am in heaven. Why would I want to go for a walk?

I could easily say no but a second of insanity tears me away from my nice cozy bed. I’m less than enthusiastic but the weather is nice, especially for July. It is a perfect time for some exercise.

Reggie begins his doggie-routine. It starts with me putting on my socks and shoes. Okay, truthfully it starts when he sees me getting dressed in something other than pj’s. When he sees the shoes he goes into hysterics and then when I say, “Wanna go for a walk?” you’d think I asked if he wanted to go to a steak house. He barks and runs around in circles. I grab the leash and tell him to, “Sit.” I hook him up and off we go.

I start off at a nice pace with Reggie beside me lagging along at times to do his ‘business’ in the grass. After a bit I notice my legs get tired and I lag and Regg pulls at his leash and keeps me walking as we trudge up the hill. And then Reggie barks and pulls at the leash even more – he has spotted our young neighbor girl.

Maddy’s bike flies down the hill until she reaches me. I stop and give myself a little break while she parks in the ditch.

“Did you bring some water, Kate?”

“No,” I say, not too nicely because I was already regretting it.

“You’re sweaty.”

“Yes, Maddy, it’s called old age. One of these days you’ll be old, too.”

She giggles and punches me in the arm.

As I push my sorry body up the hill that looks like Mt. Everest, I pant and sweat drips everywhere. I grunt answers to let my young friend know I’m listening as she entertains me with her endless chatter.

I make it and I’m finally able to keep up my part of a conversation and even start one of my own. “Em, do you get tired of walking with me?”

She looks up and smiles, “No, I like it. It’s just you and me.”

I don’t doubt that answer. Her house is full of kids and she’s the oldest. I can relate. I’m the oldest of four. “Well,” I tell her, “I’m bored. How could we make this walk more fun?”

I watch Maddy as she thinks about my question.

“I know,” she says, “our walk would be more fun if we rode our bikes!”

“Oh good one, ha ha. Try again.”

“How about you be Super Kate? You have supersonic wheels on your feet and a pet, Robo Dog. I can be ummm…” she stops to think of her super power alter ego.

“I got it. You can be my loyal and trusty side-kick, Maddy the Coolest.”

“Well, it’s not the most original –“

I stop her, “And Super Kate is?” We laugh. Then I get a call on my special super power phone. “Super Kate here… She’ll be right there. Maddy the Coolest, you better strap on your solar-powered jet pack. Time to go home.”

“Kate, tomorrow you can borrow my jet pack to get you up that killer hill faster.”

“Ha ha.”

Maddy the Coolest gets on her bike and pedals uphill in record time. I’m sure I see smoke rolling from the jetpack. I, of course, put on my invisible wheels and coast all the way home. I’m feeling so good I even breeze right past. My husband watches me from the porch. I smile, wave, then call out to him, “You can call me, Super Kate.”

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Copacetic - Friday Fiction

This was a fun story to write.  In American History, we were studying about the 1920's and the teacher handed out a sheet on 20's slang.  That set my mind into motion for this story.  I hope you enjoy a blast from the past.  Go visit Joanne's blog and read some great stories or add yours to the list:)

Copacetic

Sally jumped at the sound of the phone. She waited for her family’s ring, one short and one long. “Hello?”

“Hey, Doll-face.” Freddy used his seductive voice.

She giggled. “Mrs. Grundy might be listening. How are things?”

“Copacetic. You putting on your glad rags tonight for me, Baby?”

She whispered, “Why? Are you taking me out on the town? You’re not going to be a piker this time, are you?”

“I’m hurt. The Automat was a classy date. Just plug in a penny or nickel and you can eat whatever you choose. Anyway, I thought we’d see the new talkie.”

“Ooooh…I love Al Jolson. He’s the bee’s knees.”

Freddy grunted.

“What’s eating you? You love Mary Pickford.”

“Pick you up at six.” Freddy hung up.

Sally slipped on her dress. “Hmmm…just below my calf. I’ll be lucky to get out of the house,” she thought aloud. She pulled up her honey-beige colored stockings and slipped on her Mary Jane’s. She fluffed up her bobbed hair and checked the little makeup she could get away with. Assured she looked good, she put on her long coat to cover up her unclothed legs and arms.

Sally soon heard the distinctive sound of Freddy’s jalopy and the incessant scream of the horn.

“Going now, Pops.”

Her dad looked her over suspiciously. “Raise your coat,” he demanded.

She lifted it just a bit.

“Farther.”

“What’s your beef, Pops? Don’t be such a wet blanket.”

“Sally, we live and breathe in the Bible Belt. I don’t like how Chicago’s sins are getting into our town. Who are you going out with?”

“Freddy.”

“Hmmm…the loud mouth that speaks a funny language? Where are you going?”

“The talkies.”

“You know that’s the devil’s handiwork. I’m going with you. Wait a minute.” Mr. Druthers bounded up the steps and Sally went outside.

Freddy honked again.

She sauntered over and stuck her head in the window. “Pops’s going with us.”

“Your daddy wants to be a fire extinguisher? Girl, how old are you?”

“It won’t be so bad.” She batted her eyes and smiled. “What do you say, Freddy?”

“Get a wiggle on, Doll. Let’s leave him standing.”

Sally looked over her shoulder then jumped in the car.

Freddy honked in victory just as Mr. Druthers opened the door.

Sally looked back and saw her dad shaking his fist. She sank into her seat suddenly aware she just defied her father.

In the theater, they found two empty seats. They settled in close with their popcorn and one drink with two straws.

When the music started, Freddy put his arm around Sally and whispered, “Do we cash or check?”

“Bank’s closed, Freddy. Pops knows where we are, he might catch us.”

The young man groaned, “You beat all, you know that?”

“I’ll make it up to you, promise. Just listen to that sound. Wow! Amazing.”

“Amazing alright,” Freddy suddenly wasn’t interested in the Jazz Singer. The dark balcony with no chaperones enticed him more. He laid his hand on her thigh and blew in her ear.

“Freddy Lee Colburn, you stop that right now. Isn’t Al just the best?”

Freddy tried to entice her back to him, “We could get in the struggle buggy on the way home.”

Sally ignored him, engrossed in the dialogue and music. “This is the greatest thing since hamburgers.” She smiled at the big screen.

Undaunted, Freddy laid down the snacks and grabbed her cheeks with both hands and smooched her good and long.

Sally fought at first then gave in to the sin. She forgot all about the threat of her father showing up.

Freddy had just came up for a breath when he felt the cold hand of death on his neck. Mr. Druthers dragged him out of the theater. Mortified, Sally followed them.

“Wowsers, Pops. You spifficated? What you been drinking?” Freddy exclaimed.

“Daddy, please let him go,” Sally begged.

“The devil’s handiwork,” Mr. Druthers proclaimed.

“It’s just a movie.”

“Not talking about the movies, Sally.”

“Easy Pops. I can’t help it. I’m crazy in love with Sally.”

Mr. Druthers held firm to fast talking Freddy.

“You love me? Seriously?”

“Well, yeah, Doll-Face,” Freddy shrugged out of Mr. Druthers loosened grip and shoved his hand in his pocket. “I couldn’t help myself. I was gonna give you this tonight.”

He produced a ring box and knelt on one knee. “If Pops says it’s ok, will ya marry me?”

Mr. Druthers slapped Freddy on the back. “Wowsers.”

Sally swooned, "Oh Freddy."

*****

1920’s slang from the story:

Mrs. Grundy – extremely tight-laced person
Copacetic – wonderful
Glad rags – going out on the town clothes
Piker – cheapskate
Bee’s knees – extraordinary person
Mary Pickford – movie star in the 20’s
Get a wiggle on – hurry up
Cash or check – kiss now or later
Bank’s closed – no kissing
Struggle buggy – back seat
Spifficated – drunk

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Turbulence

Coming home last Friday on the airplane from Washington was, well, it was bumpy.  The turbulence was bad almost the whole way.  I sat next to a young marine.  We didn't talk the whole way until we touched down.  Well, I did frantically give him my cell phone to turn it off for me when it was time.  I went blank as to how to do it.  Anyway, the touch down was a hard one.  The big, bad Marine had a bag ready and waiting.  He told me that was the worse flight he'd ever been on.  Well now, I thought it was fun.

Life is bumpy, too, but it's not so much fun during that time.  It's especially hard seeing ones you love go through it.  I feel totally helpless.    I know the only one that can pull them up is God.  He always has them in His Hand, caring for them much better than I could ever do.  That gives me some comfort yet still, it's hard to watch the process. It also reminds me of how they must feel when I go through those times.

The disciples had a bumpy ride on the water with Jesus sound asleep below.  They were like my Marine friend.  They had their barf bags ready and waiting.  Their hands were white as they held onto the rails.  They feared for their lives.  Who wouldn't?  It would be scary.  There were no coast guards during that time, either.  The only help they had was asleep below, totally unaware of what was going on.

Maybe He was awake the whole time just waiting for them to ask for help?  I think that's what our problem is many times, too.  We know God will help us but we try it on our own just the same.  Isn't that drilled into our heads?  'Grow up.  Dig in.  Toughen up,' and so many other pat answers.

Well, I don't know how much more grown I have to be before I decide to run to God first thing.  I'm much closer to the fifty mark than forty now.  Isn't it time to get things right?  But I won't.  Some of my friends probably won't.  It's been ingrained in us to try to handle things first.

I liked the scary plane ride.  It was outside my every day experiences.  It was new.  Exciting.  Living with God is new every day, too.  Living the life He has for us to live is an adventure but it does require holding on, reaching out for His Hand to steady us.  It requires faith that's beyond understanding.  I wonder if I'll ever be to the point where I can look out the window and smile as my life goes by and enjoy the bumpy ride and not be too worried?  I hope so.  Maybe when I'm ninety?

The Bible reminds us in Isaiah 43:2 this, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."

Thank You God for this reminder.  Help us to all cling to You.  Always.

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Will you Meet Me Here?

The guys are giving me a hard time. Peter especially thinks he's so tough. They make fun of me saying, "Jesus loves John more than anyone." Jesus loves us all, that's just the way He is. I'd rather be at Jesus' side than anywhere else. There's just something about Him. I can't explain it. He keeps telling us He's going away soon. No one seems to get it. It scares me.

"Will you meet me here?" Jesus asked us to meet together for the Passover Feast. He took off His robe and knelt down beside each of us with a bucket of water and washed our feet. Peter fought Him but I enjoyed every second. Jesus, My Teacher and Friend, loved me enough to wash my stinking feet. I suppose I should have been embarrassed but I love His touch and the way He looks at me. He asked us to meet with Him but really, He met with us, right where we were. Glad I went. So glad He showed up.

Jesus asked us to meet Him again; me, my brother James, and Peter. He wanted us to watch and pray. I was getting drowsy so I got up and followed Him. He was so upset He was sweating blood. I wanted to run to Him and lay my head on His knees. I wanted Him to reassure me everything would be okay but I knew it wouldn’t be the truth. We prayed ourselves right to sleep that night. Jesus heard us sleeping before He saw us. Peter's the loudest sleeper ever. We just couldn't stay awake - it must've been the wine. No excuse. Jesus warned us that the "spirit was willing but the body was weak." Jesus needed us that night and we failed Him.

"Oh, God! NO!" They came and took Jesus away. Judas - that traitorous leach! I stood and watched while my Teacher was arrested. At least Peter drew his sword. Just one more time – let me feel His touch one more time!

I felt Jesus calling me, "Will you meet me here?" We met at the cross. Jesus gave me charge of His dear mother. He knew we would both need each other as His last moments played out. I tried to shield Mary from the awful reality but she wouldn't hear of it. “I'm here, Jesus. I met You here like You asked. Jesus. Je-sus! I can't live without You." We all knelt there at His feet - tears of despair and anguish sopping the ground.

I heard Jesus calling me again, "Will you meet Me here?" Peter and I both ran to the tomb. I beat Peter there but was scared to go on in. Peter pushed me away. "Coward," he said. The tomb was empty. What do I tell Mary?

I can tell her He's alive! Did you hear me? Jesus is alive! We all had that urge to meet together - He drew us together by whispering to our hearts, "Will you meet me here?" He breathed on us and gave us Someone He called the Holy Spirit. He stayed with us for forty days, teaching us. I didn't leave His side for a second. We understood, this time, that He was leaving us soon. As the days swept past us, deep in our hearts we all knew our time with Jesus was running out. One day He explained our mission - to spread the Good News to the whole world. While we listened to Him teach, Jesus was whisked away. One second He was there; the next: vanished. We stood there, staring into the sky. We'd probably still be gawking if two angels hadn't told us to stop it. Jesus spoke again, "Will you meet Me here?" We all heard it. We were together when we were filled with the Promised Holy Spirit. He met us where we were with tongues of fire. We were now ready to minister in the power of His Spirit.

I was called to meet Jesus on this deserted island of Patmos, The Alpha and Omega met with me. I knew it was Him by His touch. He asked me to write Revelation for all future believers. Jesus says, "Will you meet me here?" He’s asking to meet you, won’t you worship at his feet? Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing – “Will you meet Him here?” Trust me, there’s nothing like hearing His voice and feeling His touch!

Written by Laury Hubrich
10/10/07 for the worship challenge)

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