Yoohooooo!

***

Hi all!

Really, I'm still here, but am still immersed in boxes and more boxes. Haven't been able to get a single picture nor painting on the walls as yet, but we're functioning. AND my PC has been on the fritz. I've spent days troubleshooting the dern thing and think I'm about to see success. Pray that it will settle down, making inputting a pleasure once again.
Also - Promise, promise that I'll soon settle down and write a true blog entry. In the meantime, thanks to those faithful ones that constantly check in here to see if I'm back to blogging. I miss it, and do want to get back.

You all continue in my heart's prayers. May God's sweet blessings overflow in your lives!!

In the Light of His great and endless love, grace and mercy

Kathy

The Move Is On

There are always kinks in a move - this one is no exception. :(

The ISP I use will take 2-3 weeks to get my phone and DSL changed over to the new address. They buy the loop from AT&T who isn't happy giving it up to a competitor. It is, however, well worth the wait. They haven't raised my monthly charges for either phone or DSL, so think I'll stay with them. Yep!

I have NO idea how many strong arms are going to show up Saturday to accomplish the move. I lean on the LORD's mercy and prayerfully hope enough will arrive to get the job done Saturday morning with NOTHING left over to come back to pick up. Yeah1 Right!

My ISP has just informed me that with the high email traffic, they'd suggest I go on a bulk server. We'll see in 2-3 weeks when they reconnect my services.

However,the beautiful things that are happening include a sweet soul that has the whole kitchen packed and labeled, with the exception of the last minute things I'm using and the refrigerator, which will be packed and in boxes, within the refri. Friday night. Yeah! Right! ;)

My back and lungs have really behaved themselves. If I get through Saturday without major problems it will be a true God thing. And PTL! \o/ for His great love!!!

Another huge blessing, Mike's blog this morning, a recap of Sunday's sermon, is so powerful. Take a peek at it. It will bless your heart!!


http://preachermike.com

Well, short rest period is over. Back to the packing. Humpf!

Number 7 of 7 Great Grands

Who IS that darling baby heading up my profile? Just the light of my life - the seventh of my seven great grandkids. Just makes me want to grab her by the chubby cheeks and transport her to Abilene via Cyberspace Express. She's just too far away!!!

You're invited to give her a hug while telling her how beautiful she is and that her great granma is loopy in love with her. Yeah and Yay!!

Anyone have a round trip airline pass to Honolulu they'd like to get rid of? I'd be very happy, in fact elated to take it off your hands. [giggle] She and big brother are just too far away, or am I the one that is at a distance too remote? In the meantime I watch her smile on my desktop and now as I post on this blog. Maybe she'll be my muse to posting more often. Now wouldn't that be nice.
+++++++++++++++

My move is under way. In about 2-1/2 weeks I'll be in the middle of moving madness from this wee Hobbit house to another apartment with one more bedroom and almost double the square footage. God is SOOOOOO good to me. Thank You, LORD!!!

* * * * 10,000 * * * *

**
Can you believe it? This wee blog, tucked away in a tiny corner of cyberspace is about to reach Ten Thousand Hits - that's 10,000. How in the world did that happen?

One thing I do know, however. I MUST get myself settled down to more writing. Those that quietly read here, check in to see what, if anything, is going on deserve more attention from me. So - after this never ending election is over tomorrow I'll make every effort to do more writing.

AND - while I'm working at the precinct tomorrow, this wee blog will probably reach

10,000 Hits!

Still can't believe it. Thanks to every one that has taken a peek into beauangel's world these past 4+ years. Hope you'll stick around for a while!

Missing You, Dad!

**

I've never been able to write much about my dad's passing into eternal life, but yesterday marked 16 years after his death, I seem to be overwhelmed with nostalgia and wishing I could have one more talk with him. So much is roiling around in the world today, an interchange of ideas with him, hearing his beautiful deep, calm voice would certainly be a comfort. His opinions about the political scene today would give some wise insights, as well as those about the financial situation facing the world these days. Even as passionate as he was about his LORD, this beautiful country, politics in general, music, sports, you name it, he was always calm, dignified in expressing those opinions.

How I'd wish to flash my insights against his logical ones. I have to admit I'd be seeking confirmation and affirmation of my opinions. It would be so helpful in untangling all the mess being foisted off on us these days.

I'd also like to go back to those last days of my dad's life. He was ravaged by Parkinsons, struggling to hold onto a semblance of his 'normal' life, losing that struggle daily. He was a valiant jouster with Satan's invasion of his body, but there is nothing to truly combat that invasion as yet. It was during the last months of this illness that Dad really came to know his LORD's saving grace, after 63 years preaching and teaching 'the gospel.'

Here's an excerpt of a blog I wrote Father's Day, 2006.

Dad dedicated over 60 years to preaching and teaching the Gospel of the Christ. However, he never referred to the Savior as Jesus, always as "Christ" or "Jesus Christ". He knew what Christ had done, but unfortunately was not that acquainted with Jesus until May before his death in October.

That glorious Saturday morning as I entered his hospital room, he asked everyone else to leave. When the door closed, he excitedly told me he'd had, of all things and never heard on his lips before, a VISION.

He said he was standing to the edge of a dangerous swamp, knew he had to get across to the other and safe side. Then a man came up in a rowboat, took him by his hand, exclaiming that it didn't even hurt his Parkinson's crippled hands, and got him safely to the other side. He began to cry as he said, "He was the most beautiful man I've ever seen. It could only have been one person." He broke down completely as he claimed God's grace, "He had to be Jesus!"

The remaining months of his earthly life were at peace in his new-found security of his salvation and forgiveness. He heard his daughter pray for him, he accepted Communion from the hands of his daughter, and the last prayer he heard was his daughter's plea that his passing into the arms of his Jesus be a gentle, peaceful one.

I'm SO thankful for him. My heart leaps with joy that he is looking into the face of his Savior, Jesus.

But today is a weepy day. I miss my daddy

Yes, today, 16 years later, is a weepy day. I still miss my dad, my daddy!! God has promised me another visit with my dad when it's my turn to slip into His eternal arms. What a wonderful day that will be!!!

Soon but not yet.

Sumptin' New Here - Politics

**

I'm a news junky - which leads to another addiction - politics. However, I've attempted to keep the subject of politics off this blog. It seems, though that this is the time to mull a couple of thoughts on this loooooooong election cycle. Here's a rambling, no particular order of pro or con thoughts about the election campaign and what the post election ramifications might be, all of course, in my humble opinion.

First - A look at Obama's campaign and the elephant in the room, he's Black. The other day I wrote the following on a political board I visit regularly. [with some clarifying edits.]

I've often wondered during this eternally lengthy election cycle why the truth of the matter, and a good one, is not stated?

As a dear friend, who happens to be Black has said, "This is a matter of cultural pride. For the first time in our history, one of our culture is actually close to reaching the pinnacle of success in this country, becoming the POTUS of these United States."

I can appreciate that pride and emotion. I do not think it is racist on the Black community's part, rather it must feel as though for the first time since being brought to this country their community is finally participating on equal footing with the White community.

Yes, I can appreciate that pride and joy. I truly believe we are ready for a Black president, but it doesn't alleviate in the least my concern for what an Obama administration will profer.

There are many very disturbing stances he [Obama] has taken that really are frightening to me. Not the least of these is his extreme insistence that we allow "All Abortions At All Times, Even To The Point Of Infanticide." If he holds to this most extreme position, far and away more extreme than any other pro-abortionists, what will be his stance for the opposite end of life? When push comes to shove, will he insist that the government should be empowered to decide when someone is no longer of any use to society and thus should be able to end that person's life? It isn't a stretch when scrutinizing his unyielding determination of letting a baby that's survived abortion die alone, with no comfort, no attempt to continue the baby's life. In my opinion there's only one word for that stance; infanticide, not a compassionate attitude, rather it is condoning and promoting murder.

If for no other reason, and there are many more, the possibility of an Obama administration is frightening to me. I'm not arguing about abortion in and of itself at this time, rather how can anyone deny medical care to a viable baby that is born in spite of an abortion attempt . . . . and demanding that the now newborn be left to die because the birth is a result of an unsuccessful abortion attempt? If you doubt my opinion, search out his [Obama's] record. The one time Obama has been very definite in voting, rather than his usual "present" is on the abortion issue, especially on the right to life of a live-born baby after an attempted abortion. His belief and insistence is to let the baby die. Without exception, that has been his vote.

In spite of the cultural pride involved in Obama's election, I cannot support him.

On the McCain/Palin side - there are deep concerns, not the least of which is Gov. Palin's readiness to jump this high up into national politics so quickly. She seems to be politically savvy in a more unsophisticated manner than those that have the DC-speech down to a tee. I'm impressed by her and pray she is the quick learner she's touted to be. Of course, Sen. McCain's age could be a troublesome element had he not lived these many years in Washington and Congress, under that stress and had he not come out of those stressful years appearing younger than his birth certificate says. His mom and her longevity genes seem to have been passed along to him. I doubt, however, that he, like Obama will be more than a 4-year president. We'll see in two years at the mid-term elections.

I pray we of faith understand that God is alongside us - that we can seek His face even asking for His wisdom in our election choices and that He will continue to be with us January 21st and beyond.

Politics is truly where we are in the world but not OF the world. We have active parts to play in this wonderful still free country, and we know that the outcome of the elections and how the politicians take up our vote choices will certainly be under the stamp of either approval or disapproval of God. We just need to go where HE is and act from that point.

I pray for wisdom in choosing our next POTUS - I beg a grace-filled heart for the one elected and will continue to seek God's face about how to glorify His name in those choices and support of the successful candidates.

GRRRRRR!! ;)

**

Not really angry, just flumoxed and overwhelmed by such a huge, dusty job.

I'M MOVING!!

YIPES!!!

These past four years have been years of downsizing . . . . ridding myself of the big, bulky pieces of furniture, replacing them with smaller, more manageable ones. I've sold off lamps, books, even shoes and clothing. Even though I've donated shoes, clothing, linens, knick-knacks, the house keeps getting fuller and fuller. A mystery we never seem to see occurring until we get ready to move. YUCK and YIPES!!!

So far, I've packed 11 boxes of books, four of framed pictures, one of picture albums, and a large box of decorative items, mostly angels for Christmas time and included a few stuffed animals. Now you tell me! Why does a great grandma need stuffed animals? They're not for my grands and great-grands since all are over half-way across the country from me. I've six boxes and bags filled with Christmas decorations, including three trees of differing sizes from 6 feet to a 15" fiber optic.

Now you of large houses might think, 'what's so numerous about that? Well, dear ones, I live in a Hobbit house of 318 sq ft. This is silly. So now I'm moving into an apartment with about 100 sq feet more than I have here. Yippeeeee!!! Now I have more room to stuff more stuff into corners, closets, shelves, behind doors; stuff that I'll probably not look at again until I move yet again. [God forbid!!!]

When you live in a wee house such as mine, packing boxes is a game of chess - pack and hope they can go right back into that space, but in a box or tote this time. Books I can't do that at all. So, the first packed was the bookcase in my bedroom, which I then gave to a neighbor, to make that corner available for stacking books. In order to stack a double stack of books [all redundancies are purposeful, btw, :) ] I had to move my side table sideways - the drawer now opens toward the bed and only about 3 inches at that. My knuckles are scratched, bruised and angry.

The china cabinet glares at me, daring me to empty her possessions - she's only turned loose the angels and smaller knick-knacks. The next stage is either a genius decision or can turn into a disaster. Pack the rest of the stuff and stuff the boxes back on the same glass shelves.

Then there's the black hole of Calcutta known as "THE Closet" - a semi-walk in closet between bedroom and bathroom. I need spelunckers' equipment to brave The Closet; garden tools, potting soil, laundry bags and products, sewing machine, 4-drawer chest filled with bits of fabrics - a whole drawer full of sermon tapes from my San Diego church - emergency birthday and Christmas gifts at the ready when needed, which I promptly forget are there, prompting a quick shopping trip to buy the 'emergency' gift. Summer shorts and tank tops hung between the chest and laundry products, winter throws, Dad's serape,blood pressure cuff and stethoscope, a recliner's slip cover - my living room has jewel tones and green but the slip cover is light blue. Well, you get the idea and THE Closet isn't about to give up its hold on the vacuum cleaner, iron and board, light bulbs both regular and new fangled florescent, four folding tables, too hard to get to so can't use them in the living room - - - - well, you get the idea. THE Closet isn't going to let go - not easily at any rate. Did I tell you,

I HATE MOVING???

The kitchen giggles at its surprise awaiting me. The bathroom defiantly gurgles at any attempt to move one pillowcase from its linen closet....and we won't mention the products under the sink - how about the three mirrors, count them three mirrors hanging on the wall, the sea shells strewn here and there, a kit-kat TP holder, another holder, this one a green glass fish, filled with decorative marbles [how do you pack marbles???] I tell ya' - my Hobbit House hates moving more than I do - it dares me, defies me, glares at me, gurgles at me, all trying to say:

I HATE MOVING!!!!!

(and then there's the UNPACKING!) I give up. HELP!!!!!!!

He Too Was A Carpenter

**

He was brilliant - professor - mentor - psychologist - preacher - he also was a carpenter.

At the homes of friends, he introduced himself to me [about three years ago shortly after amputation of his right arm due to cancer] - "Hi! I'm Flipper." The friendship was formed right then and there.

His table talk would include war and the ethics of war - why we have so much sunshine for so long during the summer months in West Texas [because we're on the far western edge of the huge central time zone.] He could turn to a doctor, discuss details of the practice of medicine, talk to a large charity CEO in such a manner you'd think he worked with the CEO every day, as his employee not as a boss, but with the insight of a boss - and he could talk to the lady of the house about the bargains he'd found at the supermarket, or ask what her bargain treasures were.
He also was a carpenter.

Some time ago, a dear friend recovering from a major stroke, needed additional steps made and installed so she could step up out of the garage to her kitchen door. Ed made her stairs. She then needed a large pantry in the same garage for all her 'in case I need it' back up purchases. Ed designed and made her pantry.
Yes, he also was a carpenter.

His obituary:

Former ACU professor Coates dies

Reporter-News Staff Report
Monday, September 29, 2008



Dr. Edward E. Coates, professor emeritus of education at Abilene Christian University, died Saturday in Abilene after a long illness.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday at University Church of Christ.

"Ed touched many students' lives in a positive way through the years," Dr. Colleen Durrington, former dean of ACU's College of Arts and Sciences, said in a news release. "When I think about Ed, I think of his faith, patience and positive thinking in difficult times. He always had faith the Lord would take care of him, and in the last several years, he showed such determination to help others, even when he had struggles."

Coates earned bachelor's degrees in biology, Bible and speech from Lipscomb University in 1956, a master's degree in education administration and elementary education from Middle Tennessee State University in 1962, and a doctorate in education from the University of Tennessee in 1970.

While working on his Ph.D., Coates was awarded one of six U.S. Office of Education fellowships to finance his entire training in educational research.

He brought with him a variety of teaching experiences when he started at ACU in 1972, including having served as principal and head coach at Balmorea High School in Southwest Texas, and as a professor at Morehead State University in Kentucky.

Coates served as pulpit minister in Tennessee, Kentucky and Texas. While at the West End Church of Christ in Knoxville, Tenn., he and his wife, Jane, helped start Knoxville Christian School.

In Abilene, he served two years as pulpit minister at Westgate Church of Christ and served for a number of years as education minister, counseling minister and elder at Highland Church of Christ.

During his time at ACU, he taught hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students.

"Dr. Coates was a compassionate, Christian teacher who cared about his students, shaping them into exceptional educators," former student Kristi Thaxton said. "He recognized their potential to learn and accomplish great things."

After 36 years of teaching at ACU, Coates retired Aug. 31.

He also helped hundreds of couples and individuals while serving as a counselor in private practice for more than 30 years.

Coates was preceded in death by one son, Nathan, and survived by his wife, Dr. Jane Coates, professor emerita of education at ACU; their children, Nancy, Nick, Nelson and Neal; and many grandchildren.

He also was a carpenter and now rests in the arms of his dearly beloved Carpenter.

"New" to Texas

**

The first words in my profile say, "New to Texas."

That was true when first I began this blog, but it now has been five years since arriving from Southern California. Even so, I'm not yet considered bilingual - Texanese and any other English idiom.

I'm finding great richness in "Texanese" that was hidden until I actually settled down to life in West Texas. Just a few gems I've begun collecting are:

*Turban - West Texanese for "Turbine"
*UPS delivery service -Pronounced as a plural of "up"
*Oxymoron - unfair treatment of others
*Fandangle - West Texanese for "Fandango"
*Whooper snapper - West Texanese for "whipper snapper"

And even I, an adopted West Texan have picked up the habit of saying/writing:
all y'all - as plural of y'all

One thing that cannot be written nor compared is the heart of kindness and attention to others' needs of the West Texan. I believe the fount of this kindness is the simple, deep Faith held by the majority of West Texans. One of the introductory questions asked - "Where do you go to church?" - notice not "if" but, "where". Talk about culture shock for this dyed in the wool asphalt flower. City dwellers are not known for their spontaneous attention and kindness to outright strangers. And! To ask someone where they go to church is to put your life in danger, well, almost, but you get the idea.

I've still to assimilate some of the standard expressions of West Texas and am not sure I ever will say, "I'm fixin' to...[name the task]" - or "it's flat out ...[name the situation.] I do understand from where "it's flat out..." has sprung. Have all y'all [giggle] ever driven across Texas? New Mexico to Texarkana, for instance? Talk about flat out, a nodule in the road is hailed as a hill. Which reminds me of one of the most telling of conversations I overheard from a guy that had just returned from a visit to California, Oregon and Washington. He said, with truly a sigh of relief and an expression of terror on his face,

I couldn't flat out wait to get out of all those mountains and get back to Texas!

And I flat out love West Texans!!!

"Who Am I?"

***

He's tall, slender, with a beautiful open-to-all smile. A lover of praise music to his beloved Jesus. He just finished his doctorate dissertation. He teaches English at a large Christian University. His classes are among the most sought out at that school. He often leads our congregation in his favorite songs that truly reflect the joy he has in his heart, so when he came to our class to share his witness with us, he astounded us with his story . . . . with his question, "Who am I?" Why this question from such an altogether guy?

He's a twin who watched his beloved brother grieve, who desperately questioned the "why" of his best friend's suicide - a friend that couldn't find the answer to "Who am I?" - an answer to why the violent bullying from classmates in upper elementary school simply because he was different than they.

His parents decided to wade into the fray and began attending a very upper class church of their historical fellowship tribe. They were asked to leave; told they didn't belong there. The parents quietly and gently said, "We're staying. This is the LORD's Church and He says all are welcome, so we're staying." They were snubbed, ignored, slurred, even came close to being physically attacked for many years until love and acceptance entered everyone's heart.

As a young elementary student he was bullied, insulted, spate upon and physically attacked by fellow students. They called him names he didn't understand. And society kept changing the title - for him , his family and others like them.

One day he came home in tears. Ran to his room, looked at the image in the mirror and cried out, "Who Am I!!? How can I erase this color from my face and hands? How can I find out who I am .... am I Black, Colored, Negro or worse, Nigger.... am I African American or am I Black American? Who Am I???

As he spoke, his eyes reflected his deep hurt. We saw questioning stream from his eyes, and there was remembered fear - but no anger - he just asked again, "Who Am I?"

After his shared time with us, after we placed our hands on him and prayed for him, I hugged him and whispered, "It WILL be made right!!"

LORD! Help us make it right!

...Approaching the Throne with Boldness...

How do I do this? How can I get around the absolute conviction that I am never worthy of anything from God? What does that boldness mean? How can I be "bold" when this ever present sense of unworthiness continues to pop into the midst of prayer, during worship, in daily life? An examination of self doesn't seem to help, rather reinforces the sense of not ever being worthy of God and His wondrous love. Every time I fall short of His call to righteousness, unworthiness sets up housekeeping in my heart. Every time prayer is let slide by, every time His Word's call to delve into its richness is ignored, unworthiness sets a spike in my heart.

At such times it's difficult to accept that God could love me so much that He offers forgiveness each time. Why would the Creator of the Universe be interested in me? And that, dear ones, is the siren call direct from the Accuser - he is the one doing the accusing - attempting to pull me out of God's loving grace and mercy. But, says my Heavenly Father through the voice of the beloved apostle John:

1 John 4:4 (NIV)

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

No, I can never be worthy of God's great love, grace and mercy on my own, never. It is only through the One who resides in me, covers me with His righteousness when I would approach God's throne that makes any sense of "boldness" possible. That, in and of itself again pulls me down to my knees in thanksgiving - that's when the words of Paul the Apostle come to me again, in one of my favorite scriptures - I identify with his lament completely and with equal thanksgiving!

Romans 7:14-25 (NIV)
We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 2What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

God, through the writer of Hebrews assures me that Yes!, I can approach His throne with boldness because of His Son, Jesus the Christ, our LORD and Savior.

No, I will never ever be worthy of God's love on my own! But, thanks be to God because of His Son, Jesus the Christ, our LORD and Savior, who IS worthy, I can, paraphrasing Hebrews 4:16

therefore ... approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that [I] may receive mercy and find grace to help [me] at the proper time.

Thank You, Jesus and praise be to Your Holy Name!!!

Praying For Our Kids!

***
There have been so many tragic body blows recently - especially when it comes to our young people. Our kids are taking such a hit these recent weeks from the Accuser. What is it that God wants us to internalize through these tragedies that stop our hearts?

Psalm 139:13-17 is my hope and in a manner of speaking, God's explanation of these tragic happenings. I praise Him and am so thankful He has given us hope for our children especially the young that have been snatched out of this life so early.

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

Yes! "How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!"

I must always recognize the vast expanse of God's thoughts - may they always be precious to me - and may these words always bring comfort, balm for my troubled heart when a child is lost to us.

So I pray for the baby Lilly's of this world - not quite two years old .... lost to mitochondrial deficiency syndrome. I pray for 10-year old Brody .... the youngest and the only one of seven kids lost in a roll over accident. I pray for Megan .... 10-year old overwhelmed by extensive physical challenges and mental underdevelopment. I pray for an 18-year old swept away by a rushing river; for a 2-year old killed in a drive by shooting; for those innocents unprotected from sexual and physical abuse .... and on and on.

Please join me in prayer for all these and so many others that now rest in the arms of Jesus.

But especially we pray for our prodigal children - our beloved ones that Satan has tried to snatch out of our arms into his hell hole of disbelief. Again, God's word has given me hope for all our beloveds who are wandering in the wilderness of doubt and rebellion:

Psalm 22:6

Train a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from it.

May we see the fruits of those prayers as our loved ones return to the Father's house and to us as well!!

Promie, Promise, Promise!

**

I'll be getting back to blogland really soon now. I've been too sick to even think about creative thinking or writing, other than responding on other blogs. But I promise it won't be too long now that I'll be back to at least once a week blogging.

Bless each and every one of you for your prayers during this nasty illness. The doctors say I can carefully and cautiously begin to go out in public. Next week I can remove the sign on my door:

Per Doctors orders:

If you have or have recently had either
sniffles
cold
flu
allergies
pnuemonia
Please do not ask to come in...

There's more to it, but you get the idea. Still having breathing problems and my stamina is just now beginning to normalize. PTL! I AM getting better and well on road to recovery, with the exception of ongoing weakness. But that's in definite recovery too. PTL!

Thank you all again, and I'll be back shortly.

Love y'all

In the Light of His love, grace and mercy

K

Cough, Sneeze and Wheeze

Yep! Pneumonia caught up with me in both lungs, so really can't think clearly enough to post anything very original. I'll be back in a week or so giving everyone a bad time. Until then, please do hold me and the hundreds of thousands that are sick with all this 'crud' - that there be healing and that the epidemic be run out of existence. Especially, may we keep the small children and the elderly, those struggling with compromised immune systems and those fighting against other difficult maladies in our prayers. Thank y'all and bless all y'all, as we say in Texas. :)

To Lent or Not To Lent?

**

You all might not know that I was out of these beautiful United States of America for a little over 30 years, in what was then called a "Third World" country; Mexico, to be exact. I came back to a country hardly recognizable from the one I'd left. The changes mentioned below are just that, mentioned. This is more of an overview or better, trampoline to bounce the main question out into the blog.

I found television was overloaded with soft porn; language that previously had been forbidden was not only allowed, but fiercely protected under some bogus idea of what the 1st Amendment to the Constitution is all about. Not only was the heart of that amendment thrown under the bus but also decent behavior in schools between student-student, and student-teacher. Freedom of Religion had been totally skewed and twisted to mean we need to almost have an ethnic cleansing of all things religious of anything that has to do with faith outside the walls of a church or synagogue. [Strangely, this does not apply however, to the mosque.] Our children are being sexualized as early as pre-kindergarten. There is, however, one bright spot in all this.

There are major changes found in the Church. Praise the LORD. More and more all those that call on the name of Jesus to be saved, that have chosen to follow and declare Him are coming closer and closer to each other. Music is changing - new music with words sung directly from scripture, especially the Psalms. Jesus is being taught, rather than a particular flavor of denominational stance. Young people are begging us to live as Jesus did, be the Church outside the walls of brick and mortar buildings; to be under bridges and in homes with the lost. Some are uncomfortable with these changes. Personally, I feel they are God-glorifying.

There is the joyful celebration in our churches of the Christmas Story and the almost high church worshipful services of Resurrection Sunday/Easter. Music moves me so deeply in worship, that on a personal level, I love these two celebrations. They are deeply moving to my heart and soul.

One of the changes in the Churches of Christ and some of the more "fundamental" organizations, is observance of the 40-day Lenten preparation for Resurrection Sunday/Easter. My home congregation is one of those that is observing more and more the concept of Lent. Hence my question; "To Lent or Not To Lent?"

Many years ago I toyed with Catholicism - studied the catechism, learned the meaning of the priestly robes, of the various sections of the Mass. The music, liturgy, incense were all very appealing to me, but I decided it was not something I could, with a good conscious toward God, continue to practice. Lent, of course, is a required observance in the Catholic fellowship. It is a somber time, one of self-sacrifice - almost punishment. I felt it was a time of mea culpa more than a time of preparation as is now practiced in some non-Catholic fellowships.

I repeated a question during my childhood; "Why don't we celebrate Easter like other churches do?" The standard answer was that we celebrate Easter every Sunday in the LORD's Supper/Communion. We now celebrate Easter in a similar manner as other fellowships; which begs my question: To Lent or Not to Lent?

The following is a snip from one of my favorite magazines, Winskins which has answered by question somewhat, but I still have a rebellious muttering in my heart about it.
___________________________________________________________

Lent: Inquiry and Instruction

By Robert E. Webber

Question: What is the meaning of the word Lent?

Answer: It has no religious meaning like Advent or Pentecost. It comes from an Anglo-Saxon word, Lencten, meaning "spring."

Question: Why do we observe Lent?

Answer: The purpose of Lent is to provide a time for us to enter into the suffering of Jesus and to go with Him to the tomb.

Question: How can we do this?

Answer: The experience of the people of God who have gone before us is that we best identify with Jesus by adopting a discipline of prayer, fasting, almsgiving.

Question: How should we pray?

Answer: Our prayer may be a spiritual meditation on Jesus Christ--His teaching, His suffering, His death on our behalf.

Question: Why should we fast?

Answer: Fasting is an aid to prayer. Years ago Augustine wrote, "When a man imposes on himself the burden of fasting, he shows that he really wants what he is asking for." Christians fast in order to pray more intently.

Question: What is the purpose of almsgiving?

Answer: We give alms to the poor and needy because it is a specific expression of the brotherly love produced by prayer. The closer we are to Jesus, the more we care for our neighbor.

Source: Robert Webber, The Family Book of Prayer (Hendrickson, 1996).

Another snip from Wineskins about Lent.

Throughout Lent reflect on the 5 Life Standards of Voluntary Simplicity:

* Do Justice
* Learn from the World Community
* Nurture People (not things)
* Cherish the Natural Order (Care for Creation)
* Non-conform Freely

Choose a project you want to support, and find an empty container to collect your offerings. Make a pledge - a "token" for an adult may be $1; for a child, 25¢; for a household, $5. At the end of the 40 days, the organization of your choice will be pleased at your generosity.

With all that said, I'd really like to hear the opinions of all y'all whether you Lent or Not Lent. Bless all who read and pray here. What a blessing all of you are!!

In His love, grace and mercy

Kathy

REPRISE - Satan's Attack Dogs

As you all may remember, my Sunday morning class has a membership of about 200-225. This morning I again asked the class to consider, as a group, praying about these two attack dogs. Today the open, verbal prayers included praying for our children and for the physical attack of the cancer epidemic. PTL!
* * * * * * * *

Also, our congregation's prayer ministry group has taken up this prayer challenge as well. Again, PTL!
* * * * * * * *

Some of you here have also taken up this prayer challenge and have pledged to pray with us for our kids and overcoming the cancer assault on our churchs' members. PTL!
* * * * * * * *

Would all y'all consider taking this prayer challenge to your congregations? We can do this together. God will honor our awareness of the enemy's attacks on His family.
Thank you all in advance. And PTL for your faithfulness in entering God's throne room on behalf of those that have already been attacked and for the protection of others. PTL for you!
* * * * * * * *

In the Light of God's love, grace and mercy

Amen!

Satan's Attack Dogs

***

The Accuser is becoming bolder and bolder. He is seeing the closing in on the end of his days and has let loose his two miserable attack dogs; against our kids and through the scourge of cancer.

Have y'all noticed how many children and babies we are asked to pray about these recent days? Kids killed in auto accidents, shooting accidents, parental abuse and murder of their own kids; babies struggling to survive, newborns with unexpected fatal birth defects. Our congregation's prayer list is riddled with request for healing from cancer. I would expect at lest 85% of our requests have to do with cancer victims and sick or dead children.

May we begin to bombard the Halls of Mercy with our prayers for the defeat of these two scourges....may we beg, plead our case to the Heavenly Father, not only for healing and comfort for those already attacked, but for His protection against these two monsters that are on full attack against the Children of God.

The following is an edited prayer I posted on the Faith board you've heard me speak of before.

LORD God, we plead Your triumph over these two attacks that are becoming more and more apparent. Like King David, we plead You send down Your angelic army to defeat Your enemy - Your enemy who would destroy our children and our own physical bodies. May we hold fast to Your loving hands and keep the faith in Your promises, that You will overcome this evil accuser.... We love You, LORD and plead these things in the name of Your loving Son, our Savior, Christ the LORD!

Thank you and blessings as you pray.

In the Light of God's love, grace and mercy

Color Blind?

**

A blog by my dear friend, Dan reminded me of one of my pet peeves. No, not the one you've heard me rant about; "women's ROLE in the church" which has an underlying, tacit understanding that the church belongs to MEN and they will deign to allow women to have an insignificant role in their church....no, not that one.

Picture, if you will, yesterday's "celebrations" of MLK Day - did you see and hear what I did? I heard Dr. King's magnificent "I have a dream" speech repeated, repeated and repeated, but the core of his speech that spoke to his dream of a society where everyone is judged, not by the color of their skin, but by the nature of their character. And to whom was this speech repeated, repeated and repeated yesterday? To all black audiences. It was celebrated as a BLACK holiday and not as a tribute to this country's advancement toward that dream.

Why have we gone so far from Dr. King's dream? Why are his words used to celebrate BLACK America rather than a unified America?

I've no desire to see us morph into a "color blind" society. Rather, I dream of a day when ALL colors, all races, all ethnicities, all cultures are accepted or rejected on the basis of their character; I dream of that day when we begin to praise God for the diversity He has given us in His creation....to worship HIM for the beauty of differences He has given us, to enjoy the nuances of each race, culture, and ethnicity. May we appreciate and be thankful for all these diversities!! If we begin to appreciate the different aspects in the cultures and races, maybe then we can celebrate all of them together, rather than in the manner we unfortunately did yesterday.

May we all have God's dream, expressed in Dr. King's words. Giving God all the glory ....worshiping Him for the splendor of His creation, all of it as He made it.

Refreshment, Restoration & Renewal Of The Soul, Heart, Mind & Body

**

This Sunday morning one of our elders stood before the congregation - sighed and then began talking to us:

25 years ago, Mike entered full-time ministry in a small town in South [or was it North] Carolina...

You could hear the gasp of concern, peppered with fright throughout the gathering. It sounded as though David was telling us that Mike is getting ready to leave us. Otherwise, why the biographical sketch? - Which continued:

He and Diane then went to Searcy, Arkansas and from there came here, 17 years ago.

He continued saying that all our staff members, including the ministry staff, are assigned three elders to shepherd them, and are encouraged to take a 3-month sabbatical(sic) every three years. All have done so with the exception of Mike. He's never taken a sabbatical, but on their urging [his three shepherding elders] he [Mike] will be doing so beginning today, returning March 23rd, Resurrection Day/Easter Sunday. During these nine weeks Mike will not preach, teach, study for same - he will be resting from all duties seeking silence and rest in God's presence.

The congregation rustled with a common sigh of relief and then nods of agreement as David led the following prayer for Mike:

Gracious Father,

You are the creator of heaven and earth. You are the designer of seasons, night and day, work and rest.

Father we confess how easy it is to forget your sacred rhythms. We often find ourselves living frantic lives, and we become overly and dangerously tired. Father we all seek rest. We seek solitude and silence with you. We seek Sabbath.

We hold Mike up to you this morning for your anointing. As he enters this time of renewal and rest, we pray that you will draw him closer to your heart. Our prayer is that you will renew him physically, emotionally, and spiritually. All of us in this church family love him deeply and we commit to pray constantly for him as he prepares to lead this spiritual body into your future.

It is through the powerful name of Jesus that we pray.
Amen.

Mike wrote, in part, the following on his blog Sunday.

...this morning it was announced that I have a sabbatical. An actual sabbatical — a chunk of time for refreshment, restoration, and renewal.

For 25 years I’ve written, preached, taught, edited, traveled, and blogged. Now I’m going to be silent and listen. I’m going to seek God with all my heart.

It’s not that I think I deserve this. I just receive it as a gift.

Would that we could all take a "chunk of time" for silent seeking of God and His will - to know Him better - to extract time spent on unnecessary junk, leaving more time to be honed in on God and only God.

Will y'all pray with me that this time of rest will truly refresh and restore Mike in body, heart, and mind. Ours is a very intense congregation for any preacher/minister/pastor to teach - may we also reexamine our demands on the ministry staff, supporting them more openly, giving them space needed to recoup energies.

Bless each and everyone for your prayers - not only for Mike and his beloved family, but also for all of Highland. May we look to our leaders as shepherds of God, holding them up in our prayers as well.

In the Light of God's love, grace and mercy, I pray. Amen!

2007 Wrap Up - 2008 Outlook

I made an attempt to write this on the 30th. But as it went along it seemed to be taking on a life of a badly thought out Christmas letter, so I deleted it and will start again. Instead, may I quote Oswald Chambers' December 31st devotional?


December 31, 2007
Yesterday

You shall not go out with haste, . . . for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard
Isaiah 52:12

SECURITY FROM YESTERDAY. ". . . God requires an account of what is past" ( Ecclesiastes 3:15 ). At the end of the year we turn with eagerness to all that God has for the future, and yet anxiety is apt to arise when we remember our yesterdays. Our present enjoyment of God’s grace tends to be lessened by the memory of yesterday’s sins and blunders. But God is the God of our yesterdays, and He allows the memory of them to turn the past into a ministry of spiritual growth for our future. God reminds us of the past to protect us from a very shallow security in the present.

SECURITY FOR TOMORROW " . . . the Lord will go before you . . . ." This is a gracious revelation— that God will send His forces out where we have failed to do so. He will keep watch so that we will not be tripped up again by the same failures, as would undoubtedly happen if He were not our "rear guard." And God’s hand reaches back to the past, settling all the claims against our conscience.

SECURITY FOR TODAY. "You shall not go out with haste . . . ." As we go forth into the coming year, let it not be in the haste of impetuous, forgetful delight, nor with the quickness of impulsive thoughtlessness. But let us go out with the patient power of knowing that the God of Israel will go before us. Our yesterdays hold broken and irreversible things for us. It is true that we have lost opportunities that will never return, but God can transform this destructive anxiety into a constructive thoughtfulness for the future. Let the past rest, but let it rest in the sweet embrace of Christ.

Leave the broken, irreversible past in His hands, and step out into the invincible future with Him.

The following excerpts of the above are my prayer offered to my LORD as I step into this new year of 2008, made possible only through His great love, grace and mercy! AMEN!

"God is the God of our yesterdays, and He allows the memory of them to turn the past into a ministry of spiritual growth for our future. God reminds us of the past to protect us from a very shallow security in the present."

"And God’s hand reaches back to the past, settling all the claims against our conscience."

"Let the past rest, but let it rest in the sweet embrace of Christ.

Leave the broken, irreversible past in His hands, and step out into the invincible future with Him."

These are my spiritual growth goals for this year, 2008. May I leave all my forgiven past mistakes in His merciful, forgiving hands, allowing Him to turn them into ministry to others that are in the same or similar circumstances, offering them His hope, forgiveness, and solutions to their difficulties....solutions found only in His love, grace and mercy; and in doing so, may I have the trust in Him to "step out into the invincible future with Him." This is my prayer, LORD and I need you to be able to achieve this goal. I leave my life in Your loving hands. Amen!

Ah, Yes! It's That Time of Year!

***
Blessing or curse?

I've spent all this week putting gifts together, wrapping, packaging, addressing, praying over thoughts to be written on cards; all while this tiny Hobbit house suffered with the upheaval and mess of all this preparation.

It absolutely got away from me. How? I've no idea whatsoever. It really sneaked up on me. I thought I'd planned very simple tokens of love for my family and nearby friends. For the four young children I'm especially close to here at my church; individual stockings stuffed with this 'n that, topped off with a pretty Christmas card. For the family, [all out of town; most out of state even,] I'd have a studio portrait photo done, have copies made up, stick 'em in an envelope, slap the address on and drop 'em in the mail. Yeah! Right! No way did it happen that way.

First was the agony of deciding which poses(s) would be least egregious in presenting the ever advancing march of wrinkles - which one would be a magical youthful presentation, that absolute lie of miraculous photography? The horrid truth finally hit full force - none of them, not one.

There it was, advanced age in all its glory (sic). My neck had disappeared. The separation of chin from neck seemed to now be just a line of rolling hills all the way to the clavicle. Did I say "chin?" To which chin do I refer? There seem to be several rippling down to meet the rolling hills sliding onto the clavicle. Nose and ears have grown and eyes have shrunk. My whole body seems to have melded into one shapeless blob. Age is a killer.

Finally decided on the least unattractive of the proofs, ordered and waited. When the photos arrived I found that wrapping and posting wasn't all that simple since I'd made the ridiculous decision to mail them to my family members in frames; frames have glass fronts; glass shatters if dropped, slammed into other objects, or if it's piled upon by weightier objects. So - how to protect the glass? Simple (sic) - first a piece of cardboard over the glass; wrap in bubble wrap; place in a bubble wrap lined envelope; place bubble wrap lined envelope in second bubble wrap lined envelope. Seal, address, mark FRAGILE - GLASS - PHOTO - DO NOT BEND OR BREAK - and mail with a prayer for the glass' safety.

Each double wrapped bubble wrap envelope [there's no way to avoid redundancy here, after all the action itself included redundant activity,] had a Christmas card tucked inside. How to tell someone that their gift this year is a mug shot of their mom, sister, niece, close friend without seeming lazy and narcissistic? At this point, it can't be avoided. It's far too late to change gift plans, so narcissism wings it's way through the US mails toward shocked loved ones.

All the while the gift stockings for the four little girls have grown, grown and are now bursting at the proverbial seams. They are filled with the usual candies, Christmas erasers, mini ear-phoned FM radios, small trinket boxes; some with a few pieces of costume jewelry, magic towels about a square inch each that grow when placed in water(??); their own Christmas card AND you guessed it, my framed photo. I'm determined not to have one left over in this house after Christmas.

Now for the neighbors. Friendship cups, filled with candies, packaged in gift bags [I do NOT wrap presents. No talent at all for that. Gift bags for everybody!!!], their Christmas card complete with loving remarks, and you guessed it, my framed photo. I'm determined not to have one left over in this house after Christmas!

Tomorrow I'll sit at this computer and send eChristmas cards to a very long list of beloved friends and loved church members. They will escape receiving, you guessed it, my photo. I'm still determined not to have one left over in this house after Christmas!! You think the homeless shelters would accept photos of an aged round blob to distribute to the guests? Worth a try, 'cause I'm determined not to have....well you know what!

So I ask again, Christmas Season - blessing or curse?

As I sit in my now cleared out tiny living room, watch the lights on the tree, look at the left-over cards - reading the loving wishes and messages; when I sit considering these little gifts-my feeble attempt at recognizing the great Gift we celebrate this Season through giving to others, I say YES it is a wondrous blessing - a blessing given by our Heavenly Father - poured out on us from His loving heart.

With a sigh of relief that I'm finished with the preparations, my heart reaches up to Him in a prayer of thanksgiving. Thank You, Father for that tiny babe child that has brought us the greatest of all gifts - your loving presence in us for all eternity. Thank You, Jesus! And a Merry, Blessed Christmas to you all!!

Baby Shower and Walls of Jericho

***

Jericho was the OT story we heard about today at Highland. The special emphasis was on God's commandments and encouragement to Joshua as he was commissioned by God to take up the leadership of the children of Israel.
In Joshua 1:1-9, God tells Joshua:

1-Be strong and courageous
2-Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you
3-Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it.
4-This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged.

For each of these, God gives His promise of what will be given for obeying His commandments:

1-...you will inherit the land I promised you.
2-...you will be successful in everything you do.
3-Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
4-...for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

The LORD then told Joshua what he must do to bring down the walls of the fortified city of Jericho. To their amazement, they were not to take the army to fight the enemy, rather to destroy whatever living creature was left when the walls came down; they were to take just priests to accompany the Ark of the Testimony. No great armaments of war; just trumpets and rocks, but only one rock per tribe. What? How are we to do battle with all these "...itite" tribes with just an Ark, a trumpet and a rock? God gave His clear answer in Micah 6:

5 My people, ...
Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal,
that you may know the righteous acts of the LORD."
6 With what shall I come before the LORD
and bow down before the exalted God?...
8 He has showed you, O man, what is good.

And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.

It was to show without question that it was the power of God that brought down the walls of Jericho, not any man's effort.

He can bring down all our separating walls in the same way if we acknowledge that it is only through God's power and to His glory that those walls between us and others, between races, between sexes, between neighbors can come down. It is not our doing - it is God's power when we obey Him.

After our class discussion we had a baby shower for a lovely family - refugees from Liberia. They had to tear down many walls, including walls of torture, starvation, deaths of family members, four years in hiding and two years in a refugee camp in Guinea - all due to the terrible wars raging in that part of the world. They ended up in Abilene, Texas at the Highland Church of Christ.

They had no cultural experience with baby showers, they do now. Today, for the first time in the year they have been in Abilene, the lovely shy, soon to be mom again, broke out in a huge sparkling smile as our class members showered her with love, prayers and gifts for soon to arrive baby Ruth.

God tore down the walls of language, cultural differences, fear, homesickness, and trace anger for the loss of so many family members with His love shown through His family at Highland. This past week, the husband had a phone call from a family member he hadn't seen nor heard from in over two years - a family member he presumed to be dead, but God had other plans. He received a phone call from his mother. She found him and will be following him here to Abilene shortly, God willing.

We all have walls of Jericho that God wants to remove, to tear down, if we will but:
Be strong and courageous; being careful to obey all the His instructions; to study His Book of Instruction continually, meditating on it day and night so we can be sure to obey everything written in it.

And lastly, to hear God's command to be strong and courageous, to not be terrified; nor discouraged, and the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

Sia and Prince have lived all these, have stayed strong, did not become terrified nor discouraged and God has brought them to what one of the other refugees declares; "...to America, truly a heaven on earth!" They are an inspiration to all of us and help keep difficulties in perspective. When we feel overwhelmed with difficulties, we look to Sia and Prince, and it brings us to our knees immediately in repentance, and thanksgiving for God's bounty poured out on us every single day of our lives.

I pray LORD, you will tear down all the separating walls between us, all to Your glory and honor, that we might give heartfelt thanksgiving and learn
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with [our] God!

Amen, and again I say, Amen. Thank You, LORD!!!

Can You Believe This?

***
that this wee blog has 8000 hits. What! Must be a ton of lurkers as well as the faithful responders. Thanks to you all for having even a modicum of interest in my babblings. :)

***
that cataract surgery is a piece of cake these days. Quick procedure - so quick you don't have time to blink, nor can you for that matter. :) 1/8" incision that closes up on its own in about 24 hours, so no stitches. Painless, so no sedatives nor anesthesia. One week of drops and eye shield for sleep time [grrrrr} and now back to "normal" (sic) activities/ :)

***
that Thanksgiving Day and the first of the following week we had two 4.5" snow falls with freezing temps over night, highs in the 40s. Today it's 70 degrees and the overnight will be in the high 40s.

***
that God plunked down a single mom in my living room this morning in the form of a visiting nurse. Vitals took very little time, paperwork a bit more and the rest of the hour's visit was spent in getting acquainted with her; the compelling reasons she felt made her separation so necessary, giving me a time of mentoring and encouragement. The best part was our prayer time together. She left thankful for the God of love we serve and worship! PTL!

***
that I still must finish dressing. A hospital visit to dear neighbor and friend. Another opportunity to pray with and for a hurting soul and body. Bone cancer has taken over her life bringing a load of pain that even morphine hasn't been able to alleviate. Will all who read here join me in praying for these two situations? Bless you and thank you all for your faithfulness at the Throne of God!

***

Such an outpouring of blessings from our Loving God this morning. How can we not worship and adore Him?!

***

It's Snowing

***

It's snowing outside. Beautiful, wet, splashy white stuff. We had a White Thanksgiving Day followed by a couple of nippy sunny days - and now the sun is trying to peek through but it's white out there again.

Trees, bushes, grass, cars are all covered with new white snow. The vista is one of a crisp, cleansed landscape. Only the streets and sidewalks remain grungy looking; gray and dark; they look dirty beside the snow covered areas.

This makes me think of my soul and spirit's condition when I came to Jesus - grungy, gray and dark; dirty beside God's holiness and purity. But Jesus has washed me, as King David says, with hyssop, making me white as this new snow, now acceptable to our LORD, King, and Creator. There are still dark paths between the purity and dirt; paths that can beckon me - trying to lure me from God's purity, but there is more white snow than dark dirty streets. When I fall off God's path, He covers me again with the clean washing of His forgiveness, placing me back on the path of His righteousness.

What a loving, tender, Father and God we serve.

Thank You, LORD for loving me so much, for Your faithfulness in the face of my failures and stumbles. Thank You, Father for the new snow of forgiveness rained down on my soul and spirit. I love You and want to serve You better, to live a life of nothing but worship of You. Help me, Father, to live my life for You and for those You love; for those that You ache for reconciliation with them. May we all live in gratitude for Your snowfalls in our lives. Thank You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In the sweet name of Jesus. Amen!

Sarah Giggled; So Did Mike!

***

Mike, our senior preacher/pastor/teacher/minister has been teaching on some of the "Big Stories of the Old Testament." Prior to preaching a video is shown of one of our early elementary kids telling the week's story in their own words and understanding. They have been joyous, innocent insights that only a young child can share.

This morning we were blessed by Eva; big name for a small first grader. It didn't take her long to show how well she fits her name. She made a point of telling us that Joseph was Jacob's "mostest favorite son" [ripple of laughter from the congregants] and that made his 11 brothers mad at him. She continued with Joseph's telling his brothers about his dreams and the he, Joseph, would be the big king over them and that made the brothers really hot, [her words.] She added that Joseph "might should'ave kept his dreams to himself. They really made his brothers mad at him."

Then one day the other brothers were out in the field gathering hay, [West Texas congregation laughs out loud.] They were really mad at Joseph so they decided to get rid of him. [Gazing over to her right, she ran the script through her memory bank and continued.] They were mad about the rainbow coat [another ripple of laughter through the congregation] his dad had given him, so when Joseph came out into the field they decided to kill him. But then they decided it better to just push him down a well. Then they tore up that rainbow coat, took it to their dad...to Jacob and said, "Look! This is terrible! A big animal must have gotten Jospeh. It had to be a big one like an elephant or maybe a tiger. [At this point the congregation was rolling in laughter.] But they knew Joseph was in that well, not tore up by some big animal. That's about it.

She jumped down from the high stool she was sitting on, they turned around, crawled back up on the stool and said:

I forgot. It's better to be in a well and not in hell

The building rocked with laughter. Kids! Is there anything better in this world?

Then Mike took the microphone to begin preaching. He attempted to begin his usual pre-sermon prayer. He broke down in giggles. Made another attempt to begin his prayer, more giggling, red-in-the-face joyful laughter.

I've seen this several times and the same thing happens each time.

More belly laughter mixed with good old fashioned giggles. He finally gave up with a plea;

Can somebody pray for me; please!

He couldn't stop laughing, neither could we as he repeated

It's better to be in a well and not in hell

followed by laughter, both from Mike and the congregation.

Eva truly blessed us today. She and Mike proved that Sarah isn't the only one that can laugh while receiving one of God's glorious blessings.
__________________________________

ETA - 11/19/07 @ 8:00AM

You can read Mike's blog on this marvelous moment at Highland yesterday morning. Not surprisingly, he does a much better job relating the moment than I could ever do. You can read it on his blog at

http://preachermike.com/2007/11/19/wailing-into-dancing

Your Favorite Blog?

Ben Overby of Signpost is asking the following of readers of Christian bloggers. The following is a direct lift from a note on his blog and on Neva's Dancing in the Light and at his urging, am posting this information here too.

You’re invited to submit your favorite blog or blog article to be considered for the soon to be released book—–The Church of Christ is Blogging, (subtitle) The Best Blogs of 2007–Selected Articles and Essays.

Edited by Ben Overby and John Dobbs

Published by Fresh Grace Publishing, Rochester NY

Publish Date: January 1, 2008

So,get your suggestions in ASAP. I’ll be researching hundreds of blogs and John and I will funnel the group down to between 30 and 50 blogs before I send the work to my printer.

Please send me the web link and the reason you enjoy the blog. The book will divide into a handful of blog themes such as some of the following: Seniors, Teens, Inspiration, Issues, Family, Doctrinal, Motivational, etc.

The book will be marketed to members of the churches of Christ. I hope to introduce traditional print readers to some of the talented writers we’re blessed with in the world of electronic media by providing a wonderful sampling from each blog (with the blog author’s permission of course). I’m only interested in well-written, thoughtful, blogs which are updated with some regularity (daily, weekly, monthly).

Deadline for your suggestions: November 30th 2007.

Send suggestions to benoverby@specialtywriting.com

Thanks for your help! Please forward this to your favorite church of Christ bloggers or post as a note on your blog.

Ben Overby

www.specialtywriting.com

I'm considering nominating Bobby Valentine's blogs on Deuteronomy; or should it be Neva's? But which one of hers to choose? Then I muddle around in the same quandry about Bill Williams' Spiritual Oasis or one of my beloved Beverly's from A Journey Begun traveling down her path of diagnosis, treatment and healing from cancer, or so many of our now absent Maria in the United Kingdom. She is sorely missed!! How about Lisa's Outumbered journaling her joyous travels with her boys? And I'd better mention my own preacher/pastor/teacher/minister's preachermike.com - a powerful and challenging blog. So many to choose from, too many really.

Christian blogland has become such a rich source for communication, teaching, sharing, encouraging, discussing God and His Word for us it's difficult to select only one or two. It has evolved into this huge, frustrating mass. Frustrating because there is NO way we can keep up with thousands of daily Christian blogs.

I'm thankful to Overby and Jacobs for taking on this most daunting but needed task. May these two be highly blessed in the work of compiling the best of the best blog entries. Thank you, gentlemen and brothers in the LORD!

Kilometer Markers

***

As I was praying over the day the other night, thanking God for His overwhelming grace and blessings, I suddenly found myself running a memory jog of dear ones He has placed along my life journey; you might say, His kilometer markings.

Most of the world, with the exception of the US and maybe one other errant country, runs on the metric system. Within that system many highways, such as those in Mexico have kilometer markings. They are sign posts on the side of the road telling how far you've traveled from the previous urban area and how far you have to go to arrive at the next one. Should you have an accident or breakdown, by simply telling the emergency responders what the closest kilometer marker reads makes it much easier to be located out in the middle of nowhere. [The markers are usually no more than 1 kilometer, or .6 of a mile apart.]

God has blessed me with a wealth of friends. My musings with Him have made me realize that He has placed friends along my life's journey much like highway kilometer markers; showing me where I've been, where I am, as well as lighting the forward-looking path of my life. Many mark a difficult learning plateau, making me much easier to locate.

By the way, you will notice a few obvious Kilometer markers not included; my children and their children and children's children; sibling; other family members. With the exception of my dad, I've purposely excluded the family, leaving them for another blog, dedicating this one to friendships.

Kilometer Marker One: My first friend was my dad - he taught me, trained me, opened up my love of music, art and literature. He encouraged me to "obey the gospel" - to be obedient to God.
It was my dad that walked me through a painful early lesson about gossip; he sat me on his lap and explained what certain words I'd been parroting during recent 2nd grade recess were really not the kind of words an innocent mouth should ever consider uttering. He gently taught me of the risk in uttering, parroting this type of words, targeting others, especially when I didn't know what they meant. He led me through understanding the hurtful results of my actions/words leading to heartfelt tearful confession of what I'd said; repentance and promise to not ever say such words again [and I haven't, believe me]; then celebrated the joyful release of forgiveness with me. Dad set my foot on the path of being able to freely admit my mistakes, repent of them and seek forgiveness from any wronged individual and from my Heavenly Father. Bless you Dad, for being the dad you were and still are in my heart!

Kilometer Marker Two: Butchie Randolph - a one-year old baby my family foster parented for two years during the latter part of WWII. This sweet child was the embodiment of open arms, no holds barred love. He taught me how to love like a child, and be as Jesus wants me, to be like a small child.
Butchie taught me to openly and passionately express concern for those I love.
At a Junior High School Christmas program, when he was a little over two years old, I sat high up on a painter's ladder that was draped in white sheets....with me dressed in white with wings, halo, you name it - an angel [that didn't last long, did it. lol] They shone a white spot from upper torso to halo, and as I sat on the ladder, behind a sheer gauze curtain, singing "O, Holy Night" it gave the impression I was suspended in air, floating, if you wish. He [Butchie} heard me, recognized the voice of his "Kappy" but was unable to spot me at first. However, when he did, he screamed in terror thinking I'd been turned into one of the Sunday School angels and was now with them in heaven. He was so frightened my mother had to remove him from the theatre.
I'll never forget his overwhelming relief when he saw that I was still earthbound. He ran to me, hugged my knees as only a two year old can, and sighed with relief.
Butchie's mom came for him that next summer, taking him to Australia to join his dad, grandparents and extended family.
Butchie is now a senior citizen but his absence from our family taught me that love doesn't leave our hearts when a loved one is no longer with us. I still mourn his departure and still love him for that child-like love. Thank You, LORD, for this child and others that mirror Your love to me. Help me to always reflect Your great love to others.

Kilometer Marking Three: Virginia - Many classmate friends blessed my school years. Virginia, however was the first truly close friend and mentor God brought into my life. She was in the 2-year Junior College that co-occupied my high school campus. A native of Colorado, she came to California for treatment of a severe congenital heart condition. She was so skinny you could see her damaged heart beating furiously in her chest, quaking and shaking her whole body with each beat. Even so, she was a walker - from school to post office, to super market back to school, home....you name it, she walked. She was a gifted writer. As she walked she mused about her next piece waiting to be written.
Our love of classical music, literature and art brought us into the same close group of friends of like interests. I was the baby of the group, the others were either 2 years ahead of me in school or were already in college. It was a thrilling, learning time for me.
It was this group that held me close when at 16 my mother decided I should be married as punishment for having 'talked back' to her about again moving me when I was only a few months from graduating. Virginia tried to convince my mother that marriage was not the best discipline tool for me, but to no avail. Story too long and involved to recount here, suffice to say I WAS married and 22 months later with two babies, divorced.
Divorce raised a scandal in that time, mid-20th century. My church turned its back on me because of the divorce and I turned my back on the church. Virginia hung in there as friend and mentor even as I bounced off a good little girl modus vivendi into a 'if it's there, let's do it' life-style, all the while moaning and groaning about my mother's fault in this downward spiral and host of problems.
Virginia lovingly mentored.
She sent me an article titled "Don't Blame Your Parents." The article spoke directly to me saying; "innocence is the only valid reason allowing you to blame others for your problems. However, the moment you become aware of the source of your problems, the ball is now in your court; you are now responsible for your own actions and responses." I certainly didn't want to hear this. It was too comfortable to continue my life-style blaming my mother for all the silly messes I fell into....'Mom! You did this to me!' Oh, yeah? NOT!
Virginia was one of if not the first heart catheterization patient at Stanford Lane Hospital. Post catheterization, she was hospitalized awaiting open heart surgery. While talking to her husband, in mid-word she slumped forward and into eternity. The last living cell in her heart died, taking her out of this world's pain she lived with constantly. I still miss her and love her.
Virginia taught me to be truthful about myself, accept responsibility for my own actions, make decisions to right those wrong decisions, to give up bitterness blaming others, and get on with the glorious life God had gifted me. Thank You LORD, for the gift of love and mentoring You gave me through Virginia, for using her to teach me hard life lessons I so desperately need.

Kilometer Marking Four: This dear lady's name has been long forgotten, but not the lesson God brought to me through her gentle whisper.
It was during the Korean War and I was one of the young chaperoned hostesses at social events [read dances ;) ]on the local base near my home town.
One evening I was having a particularly whoopin' hollerin' good time, when this sweet chaperon came up to me, softly whispered in my ear, "Kathy. Remember; dignity and discretion at all times." I was crushed, but this is one of God's life lesson I've constantly kept in my mind, one of the most life-changing of kilometer markings. Thank You, LORD,for this gentle soul You used to correct and teach me such an important lesson from You. Thank You!


Kilometer Marking Five: There are many 'kilometers' between K-4 and K-5. These were years of deep sadness, of rebellion, of anything but Christ-like life-style. I'd hung onto a slim thread of core belief in God but hid it from anyone that knew me. Finally, one night in Mexico City, alone in the dark I cried out to Him. "I believe in You, but I really don't know You nor what You want or expect of me. Please, LORD, show me. I want to know You."
That next Sunday I went to church services with the idea of wanting to be there, for the first time in almost three decades. [Thank You, Father for waiting on me; for Your patience with this slow learner!]
That morning an American couple, with their 8-month old baby in arms and 9-year old daughter alongside, approached me. Beve looked me in the eye, smiling and said, "You'll come to dinner on Wednesday evening, won't you?" My immediate response was "yes" - rather astonishing since it was the first time we'd ever 'seen' each other but God's love immediately placed us into a life-long friendship.
Beve and husband, Clay held the key to the prison I'd locked myself into for all those years. They taught me about God's grace, about the Holy Spirit's working in our lives, of God's great love for us. They taught 1 John 5:13 - as Clay read it, I didn't believe it really was in the Bible having never, ever heard teaching that we could KNOW we are saved.
Kilometer Five - God's saving grace kilometer marking. Not only did it mark release from rigid religion, opening the door to freedom in Jesus, it is the Kilometer marker that pointed to a new path, one on which Jesus would be, and is, my constant companion and guide.
Kilometer Five is a marker, but not a stopping point. It marks a beginning and a rebirth; the marker I'm most thankful for.
LORD, how can I thank You for bringing Clay and Beve into my aimless life, not only affording me a lifetime of friendship's sweet company, but even more importantly, thank You for giving me You! You are my strength, my companion, the permanent Marker and Maker of my life for eternity. Thank You, LORD Jesus!

There have been many new markers on this, God's path to Him. An avalanche of friendships, all marking new kilometers along my life's pathway;
In San Diego: Sylvia, my precious friend that has opened the door to freer questioning about what one of color suffers and how to help alleviate that pain. Pastors Tim, Craig and Ken whose teachings of God's Word have so matured my understanding and opened a new hunger to know more of Him. The loving and strong participants in the Single Parented Family Ministry at Scott.
In San Antonio: Joy, who truly lives her name with such joy in the LORD and a faithful friend, prayer warrior. Max, who taught me how to have a deep personal relationship with my Savior, Jesus. Big Al, whose love and devotion seems to have no end nor bounds.
In Abilene; Ruth, no longer here in Abilene, but whose friendship filled a gaping hole in my heart. She continues to nourish our friendship, even at such distances. Linnie, my Walk to Emmaus friend and prayer warrior. Another that has such joy in her love for Jesus! Nina, new friend and neighbor who knows how to share not only her struggles, but also her joys with a friend. The 200+ of my Sunday Class and 30+ of our Life Team, a new and gifted pastor/teacher/preacher, Mike. The LORD has flooded my life with hundreds of new Kilometer markers in friendship and community with His family.
In Blogland and Faith boards; As though real life friends weren't enough, the LORD has extended those markers out into the enormity of cyberspace. Not wishing to leave anyone out, but a list too long to mention everyone individually, a short list would include my beloved Linda-co-prayer warrior and mentor on the Faith Board, Bill Williams and his in-depth teachings on Spiritual Oasis as well as the must-read blog of one of our shepherds, Jim Clark. Beverly's incredible strength and reliance on God as she walked through the successful struggle against breast cancer; Lisa and her joy in sharing her love for her boys with us; and last but not the last of so many nor the least of them, sweet, gifted Neva. Neva, who brings God's word right into our hearts transported on her wonderfully crafted words. She corrects, teaches, encourages, and shares joys with us, as well as her sadness. Neva, like all mentioned and due to time and space the hundreds more that are not named, have the gift of love in friendship. I'm constantly amazed how God uses the internet to bring more of His kids closer and in community. Wonderful, just wonderful!

God continues to bring new Kilometer markers to my life. Each one marks a new level of maturity in Him, areas needing correction, strengths and weaknesses; the first from Him and the latter needing His direction, discipline. There is no way I can thank God for the richness He has brought to my life through these friendships and His love for me. How can one single person be so gifted, so flooded with love from the source of all love, God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I praise Him in worship, awe and thanksgiving.

Still here - Still Pondering

This has been about two weeks of muttering, pondering, considering. It looks as though that period of silence is about to end and finally! a new blog will be published. Thank you all for being so faithful about popping in to see if some of my craziness has been blogged. Hopefully later today will break this long silence.

Love all y'all in the Light of His love, grace and mercy

Kathy

Fire Storms

***

Beautiful Southern California is again under attack from fire storms....high Santa Ana winds gusting up to 75 mph, dry, super dry conditions, no sign of rain just orange skies and sooty air. Fires are surrounding the Los Angeles Basin and San Diego county yet again.

I beg your prayers for the area in general, and in particular my family members in the area; daughter & family, cousin & family, former church family members that are under evacuation orders. May our LORD bring His healing rain to the area, may His voice calm the high winds, thereby helping the fire fighters control these raging fire storms.

There are many metaphors that could be applied to our spiritual journey in these happenings, but I'll leave those to your meditation and thoughts. My mind is too full right now with thoughts of loved ones and those millions I don't know personally, literally under fire today. May we beg the LORD to stay their fury!

In His love, grace and mercy I beg these petitions!

Amen

- - - - - - - - - -

UPDATE 10/25/07

The following is an email from my cousin in east county San Diego, near the Jamal fire.

We are still underevacuation but are safe. We stayed with friends since last night and now are at home.(or the trailer we are still calling home). We are still watching the fire carefully as wind changes could cause problems for us. I'll try to keep you posted.
Thanks for your prayers,
ASAP (always say a prayer)
Love,

My daughter's family and my grand daughter's family are all back in their homes. Your continued prayers for all the millions affected by these fires are coveted and appreciated. Also, pray for the hearts of those arsonists that would continue to set even more fires than they've sparked already. May their hand be stayed and the fires controlled!! Amen!

Communion & Life Team

***

He stood before me, a smile of anticipation warmed his face, "Dear Sister, I've waited a long time for this."

He knelt in front of my chair offering me the homemade unleavened bread; looking me in the eye as he said, "Kathy, this is the Body of your beloved Savior who died for you. Take! Eat! Be blessed by Him even as you bless us by sharing His Body with us, and if you so wish, offer it to someone you would like to share this blessing with."

The cup...."This is the precious blood of Jesus that washes us clean of all sin; the blood that He lovingly spilled just for you, Kathy. Drink of this renewal in Him."

These are the words as I remember them....and I remember the impact these simple words had on me. Never had I before experienced such an intimate communion at the LORD's table. But now I can experience it every Sunday, thanks to this wonderful, God-glorifying group.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
My Life Team meets every Sunday afternoon [well, nearly every Sunday.] It's a big group; 30+ of us and one of the week's highlights and blessings!! A bit unusual in format, certainly not the more common image one might have when thinking about a small group meeting.

This family within a church family is made up of marrieds [from newlyweds to 38 years married], singles, singles again, including single parents, college students, younger kids and some babies and toddlers, and there's even one silver-haired great-grandma in the group. :) It's informal in all aspects. We sit on chairs, couches, bean bags circled around the room; and some of the more agile sit on the floor. Toddlers run loose in the middle of the group, playing with toys provided by the host family. They are welcomed and cared for, giving parents a bit of respite from the constant need to track and follow toddlers. It's a wonderful controlled chaotic atmosphere, bathed in love; and I love it. [forgive the redundancy]

We talk, we laugh and play jokes on each other; when the leader raises one hand it is the signal to quiet down and focus - when we've all raised our hands and hushed our voices, the lesson and prayer time begin. Toddlers continue to play in the midst of the group. They enjoy a perception of freedom, while encircled within boundaries, but not choking with restrictions. After lesson and prayer time, we dismiss for potluck dinner; a rollicking joyful boisterous time together.

But the heart of our gathering is sharing the LORD's meal with each other, and as you can see, in a unique manner, one that truly brings us into communion with one another. It is truly a meal. The host-family made unleavened bread is continually passed around as long as it lasts; while kids play the adults talk, joke and pray together. The leader of our group is of the opinion this is the way of the first century house churches....rather than the separation format we expect in our congregational worship atmosphere.

Can you imagine for just a moment if rather than all solemnity we also could openly look our neighbors directly in the eye while vocally offering them the Bread of Life and the cleansing blood of our Savior? What communion with each other that could be.

I've the best of both worlds; the quiet, meditative time on Sunday mornings and the joyous family time Sunday evenings. What a blessing these times are....The LORD's meal, contemplated and celebrated, all within a few hours on Sunday! Thank You, Jesus for both venues, for both the meditative and later, the celebratory time at Your table. Praise Your Holy Name and thank You for Your life-saving Meal left for us!!