On Friday, September 30 at 12:15 A.M., God said to me:
(through the words of the Apostle Paul)
Jeannie, "In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you.
You are to live a clean, innocent life as a child of God, in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your life shine brightly before them. Hold tightly to the Word of Life."
From My heart to yours,
God
(written in Philippians 2:14)
On Friday, September 30 at 10:35 A.M., God gave me this reminder:
"We are human [that's the Apostle Paul speaking], but we don't wage war [against the enemy of our soul] using human plans and methods. We use God's mighty weapons, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the devil's strongholds."
(written in II Corinthians 10:3-4)
Friday, September 30, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
From my Quiet Time
A great reminder this morning from II Corinthians 3:4-5 (New Living Translation):
"We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we can do anything of lasting value by ourselves. Our only power and success come from God."
Friday, July 8, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Monday, July 4, 2011
Happy 4th of July!
Have you ever read all four verses of "The Star Spangled Banner"? This video includes only the first and the last verses. The last verse is quite an eye-opener! It's amazing to realize how far we, as a nation, have fallen since these words were penned and given the honor of being our national anthem.
I find it quite "telling" that we seldom hear this verse used anymore! How many Americans even know it exist?. Would it be allowed in our schools today, or would it be censored?
I find it quite "telling" that we seldom hear this verse used anymore! How many Americans even know it exist?. Would it be allowed in our schools today, or would it be censored?
Thursday, June 30, 2011
BREAKING NEWS!
Something green showed up at our house last night. It is capable of running very fast, and must be carely controlled, lest it get us into serious trouble. It will require a lot of tender, loving, care.
We caught this "bug" many years back. Although we got rid of it for awhile, the "itch" never completely faded away. Several months ago that old "bug" bit Larry again. The "itching" just kept getting worse and and worse, and he began scratching at it all the time! Last night he finally got relief. Aaaah--feels much better now.
This one (a 1995) is metalic polo green with tan interior. This photos don't show the sparkle in the paint--it is gorgeous--showroom quality!
"Honey, if I promise to take very good care of it, can I keep it?"
This one (a 1995) is metalic polo green with tan interior. This photos don't show the sparkle in the paint--it is gorgeous--showroom quality!
Let the fun begin!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Saturday Morning
Same place, same kids, same fun, same NOISE!
Yup! They're in the pool again, all refreshed from a good night's sleep and a yummy breakfast.
Observation: Kids' batteries recharge much faster than adults' batteries.
I love having these kids here. When Larry and I first talked about how many kids we would like to have, he said one--I said four. We compromised at two. Now I have my four ("adopted" grandchildren)--Rachel, Nicholas (Nik), Joshua (Josh), and Caleb. They're only 18 months apart from each other (all four of them--planned that way)--ages 6 to 10. They look almost identical to each other--except for their sizes. Their mom and dad also look like they could be sister and brother, so it's no wonder the kids all look so much alike. The best part: they get along with each other great--most of the time, and they seem to adore us as much as we adore them.
I miss my own kids and grandkids alot. I'm so thankful that God has given us this "adopted" bunch who live close enough to get together frequently. I guess God knew (when part of my own bunch moved to Montana) that I would still need my "grandma fix".
It all began when we said "yes" to our daughter-in-law's request that we might consider letting a close friend of hers (Erich) live with us temporarily, when he moved here to start a new job. His family would have to stay behind for awhile (in Southern California) to do all the work of getting the family ready to move. We immediately liked Erich and enjoyed having him with us for two months before his family joined him. Within a couple of months after they moved here, a "family" relationship developed, which resulted in us becoming surrogate grandparents to the kids. They began spending every other weekend with us, unless something prevents that. It didn't take long for the kids (by their own choice) to begin calling us "Gramma and Grampa".
Yes, God knew how much I needed that and how much I would enjoy them. What a gift for one who couldn't wait to be a grandma, and loves being one!
Yup! They're in the pool again, all refreshed from a good night's sleep and a yummy breakfast.
Observation: Kids' batteries recharge much faster than adults' batteries.
I love having these kids here. When Larry and I first talked about how many kids we would like to have, he said one--I said four. We compromised at two. Now I have my four ("adopted" grandchildren)--Rachel, Nicholas (Nik), Joshua (Josh), and Caleb. They're only 18 months apart from each other (all four of them--planned that way)--ages 6 to 10. They look almost identical to each other--except for their sizes. Their mom and dad also look like they could be sister and brother, so it's no wonder the kids all look so much alike. The best part: they get along with each other great--most of the time, and they seem to adore us as much as we adore them.
I miss my own kids and grandkids alot. I'm so thankful that God has given us this "adopted" bunch who live close enough to get together frequently. I guess God knew (when part of my own bunch moved to Montana) that I would still need my "grandma fix".
It all began when we said "yes" to our daughter-in-law's request that we might consider letting a close friend of hers (Erich) live with us temporarily, when he moved here to start a new job. His family would have to stay behind for awhile (in Southern California) to do all the work of getting the family ready to move. We immediately liked Erich and enjoyed having him with us for two months before his family joined him. Within a couple of months after they moved here, a "family" relationship developed, which resulted in us becoming surrogate grandparents to the kids. They began spending every other weekend with us, unless something prevents that. It didn't take long for the kids (by their own choice) to begin calling us "Gramma and Grampa".
Yes, God knew how much I needed that and how much I would enjoy them. What a gift for one who couldn't wait to be a grandma, and loves being one!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Four Kids and a Pool
Noisy crazy fun going on at our house today: four little kids (who think they are fish--the jumping, diving, hollering kind) and a pool, and a slide, and a spa, and a beach ball, and a heavy-duty float mat, and four water noodles. and a float ring, plus four pair of swim goggles.
Add one more toy to the watery mix: a hula hoop!
Hmmm...I never thought of using the heavy-duty float mat in the spa before. It has become a boat.
I should go get my camera and take pictures to post, but I'm having too much fun just watching their antics! Can you say "imagination"?
Would you be brave enough to zip down a water slide into the smile of a crocodile at the bottom? What about into the jaws of a giant shark? Would you dare enter the waters of make-believe with four hyper water buffalos who have no fear of humans?
"Hey Gramma, watch this!" WAIT TILL I MOVE AWAY FROM THE DIVING BOA...
Now you know why I didn't stay in the water with them very long. (It's much safer over here at the patio table.)
Add one more toy to the watery mix: a hula hoop!
Hmmm...I never thought of using the heavy-duty float mat in the spa before. It has become a boat.
I should go get my camera and take pictures to post, but I'm having too much fun just watching their antics! Can you say "imagination"?
Would you be brave enough to zip down a water slide into the smile of a crocodile at the bottom? What about into the jaws of a giant shark? Would you dare enter the waters of make-believe with four hyper water buffalos who have no fear of humans?
"Hey Gramma, watch this!" WAIT TILL I MOVE AWAY FROM THE DIVING BOA...
Now you know why I didn't stay in the water with them very long. (It's much safer over here at the patio table.)
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
A Wedding and Family Reunion
One week ago today Larry and I flew to Portland, Oregon to spend a few days with my family. The occasion was my niece, Hannah's wedding. The alarm clock sounded at 3:00 A.M. on Thursday, just three hours after getting into bed the night before!
Almost from the moment we arrived in Portland (10:30 A.M. on Thursday) until our plane took off again on Monday (3:00 P.M.) to fly home, our time was packed full of fun! After collecting our luggage and getting a rental car, we headed for Island Cafe--our favorite place to eat in the Pacific Northwest. It's an outdoor, tropical-themed eatery, at the end of a large dock on the Columbia River.
Next, we drove to our former neighborhood in Beaverton, Oregon (Portland area) where we lived for six years, just prior to moving to Texas. It was so enjoyable to visit with two couples who were favorite neighbors, both homes just across the street from our home there. I even got to pet the cat who used to play in our yard.
Then it was time to head up to Vancouver, Washington where we had lived for seven years before moving down to Oregon. Leaving Oregon to get to Washington means crossing the Columbia River, near where we had eaten lunch. We had just enough time left to check into our hotel in Vancouver before driving back across the Columbia River into Portland, Oregon to spend the evening with our son Jim and daughter-in-law Patricia.
All too soon it was time to head back across the river into Washington. We arrived at the hotel just minutes after the rest of our family completed their drive over from Montana. Perfect timing--unplanned!
Early the next morning (alarm clock sounded at 5:00 A.M.) we headed back across the river into Oregon for some visiting with former friends in Hillsboro (about 15 miles west of Beaverton). Larry was happy for the opportunity to attend the 6:30 A.M. men's Bible study he had participated in before moving to Texas, and I was happy for the opportunity to visit with a couple of favorite friends from the church we had attended. That home is the home of Tom the judge, whose story I just recently posted on my blog.) His wife Julie is also a friend of mine, so she and I then headed over to another mutual friend's home (Karen) where we enjoyed breakfast and a couple hours of "catch-up" time while Larry was at Tom's house.
Next...we headed back across the river to our hotel for fun with our family--both of my sisters and their husbands (along with the 8-year old granddaughter who has been raised by my sister, Dianne, since infancy), plus my dad and his lady-friend Marilyn. Dianne and Chuck were staying in a large suite at the hotel, so that became our central gathering place. Fun and laughter were always present in that room!
That evening (Friday), Jim and Patti, along with my niece Suzanne and her husband Brian, showed up at our gathering place. A little later, my brother, Bill showed up also. At that point our family gathering included fourteen people--all in one room! Think noise--fun noise! Just before we parted for bedtime, my brother-in-law, Ed gathered us into a circle. We held hands as we prayed for the next day's wedding festivities and for the new life Hannah and Andrew were about to begin together. A time of fun at the indoor, heated pool and spa was the perfect ending to the day.
Saturday morning was filled with getting ready for the wedding. The fun memory of that morning is the hilarious exchanging of clothes and shoes among the three sisters--me and my twin sisters who are only one year younger. The three of us are pretty close to the same size, and we grew up sharing a bedroom and our clothes. I guess it's true that some things never change! This exchange of clothing happened throughout our time together at the hotel. What fun we had with each other!
The wedding (at 1:30) was beautiful, of course! In late afternoon the family (both sides of my brother, Bill's family) gathered at Bill and Shawnee's home in Woodland, Washington (about 20-25 miles north of Vancouver) for a barbeque supper. After supper many of us gathered around the piano for a hymm-sing (complete with four-part harmony), with my sister, Colleen as the pianist. It wasn't long before Bill's father-in-law Warren suggested that Colleen switch to the antique pump organ (which had formerly belonged to him). Wow! What a treat that was! Mid-evening we all headed back to the hotel for pool time and late night visiting. Another perfect day was done!
The next morning (Sunday) we gathered once again--the whole family together (both sides of Bill's family) for the worship service at Bill and Shawnee's church. After church all of us, including some friends who had come to the wedding, re-grouped at a fish house for lunch. Following lunch, a bunch of us headed out for an excursion to Mt. St. Helens--the huge volcano that erupted in 1980. Although I've been there many times, it's always an awesome sight, and very sobering to once again stand at the site of massive devastation and loss of life for those who either refused to evacuate or weren't able to escape the fury of the volcano.
Visiting on Monday morning was mostly limited to breakfast time together since everyone had to pack up to head home. When the time came for my sisters' families to hit the road, it seemed to take forever to say our goodbyes, since we knew that it might be our last time all together for a very long time.
After they left, Larry and I still had "time to kill" before our flight home, so we managed to fit in two more visits before our flight time. We got a quick visit with our friend, David Beatty who had lived with us for a year before we moved to Texas. Then we met my brother, Bill for lunch just before leaving Vancouver to head back across the river to the Portland airport. (We drove across that giant of a river six times during those five days.)
It was an amazing family reunion! It wasn't quite complete without my brother, Tom and his wife Nancy, but with only that exception, the visit with each other, plus friends and neighbors was absolutely perfect!
Almost from the moment we arrived in Portland (10:30 A.M. on Thursday) until our plane took off again on Monday (3:00 P.M.) to fly home, our time was packed full of fun! After collecting our luggage and getting a rental car, we headed for Island Cafe--our favorite place to eat in the Pacific Northwest. It's an outdoor, tropical-themed eatery, at the end of a large dock on the Columbia River.
Next, we drove to our former neighborhood in Beaverton, Oregon (Portland area) where we lived for six years, just prior to moving to Texas. It was so enjoyable to visit with two couples who were favorite neighbors, both homes just across the street from our home there. I even got to pet the cat who used to play in our yard.
Then it was time to head up to Vancouver, Washington where we had lived for seven years before moving down to Oregon. Leaving Oregon to get to Washington means crossing the Columbia River, near where we had eaten lunch. We had just enough time left to check into our hotel in Vancouver before driving back across the Columbia River into Portland, Oregon to spend the evening with our son Jim and daughter-in-law Patricia.
All too soon it was time to head back across the river into Washington. We arrived at the hotel just minutes after the rest of our family completed their drive over from Montana. Perfect timing--unplanned!
Early the next morning (alarm clock sounded at 5:00 A.M.) we headed back across the river into Oregon for some visiting with former friends in Hillsboro (about 15 miles west of Beaverton). Larry was happy for the opportunity to attend the 6:30 A.M. men's Bible study he had participated in before moving to Texas, and I was happy for the opportunity to visit with a couple of favorite friends from the church we had attended. That home is the home of Tom the judge, whose story I just recently posted on my blog.) His wife Julie is also a friend of mine, so she and I then headed over to another mutual friend's home (Karen) where we enjoyed breakfast and a couple hours of "catch-up" time while Larry was at Tom's house.
Next...we headed back across the river to our hotel for fun with our family--both of my sisters and their husbands (along with the 8-year old granddaughter who has been raised by my sister, Dianne, since infancy), plus my dad and his lady-friend Marilyn. Dianne and Chuck were staying in a large suite at the hotel, so that became our central gathering place. Fun and laughter were always present in that room!
That evening (Friday), Jim and Patti, along with my niece Suzanne and her husband Brian, showed up at our gathering place. A little later, my brother, Bill showed up also. At that point our family gathering included fourteen people--all in one room! Think noise--fun noise! Just before we parted for bedtime, my brother-in-law, Ed gathered us into a circle. We held hands as we prayed for the next day's wedding festivities and for the new life Hannah and Andrew were about to begin together. A time of fun at the indoor, heated pool and spa was the perfect ending to the day.
Saturday morning was filled with getting ready for the wedding. The fun memory of that morning is the hilarious exchanging of clothes and shoes among the three sisters--me and my twin sisters who are only one year younger. The three of us are pretty close to the same size, and we grew up sharing a bedroom and our clothes. I guess it's true that some things never change! This exchange of clothing happened throughout our time together at the hotel. What fun we had with each other!
The next morning (Sunday) we gathered once again--the whole family together (both sides of Bill's family) for the worship service at Bill and Shawnee's church. After church all of us, including some friends who had come to the wedding, re-grouped at a fish house for lunch. Following lunch, a bunch of us headed out for an excursion to Mt. St. Helens--the huge volcano that erupted in 1980. Although I've been there many times, it's always an awesome sight, and very sobering to once again stand at the site of massive devastation and loss of life for those who either refused to evacuate or weren't able to escape the fury of the volcano.
Visiting on Monday morning was mostly limited to breakfast time together since everyone had to pack up to head home. When the time came for my sisters' families to hit the road, it seemed to take forever to say our goodbyes, since we knew that it might be our last time all together for a very long time.
After they left, Larry and I still had "time to kill" before our flight home, so we managed to fit in two more visits before our flight time. We got a quick visit with our friend, David Beatty who had lived with us for a year before we moved to Texas. Then we met my brother, Bill for lunch just before leaving Vancouver to head back across the river to the Portland airport. (We drove across that giant of a river six times during those five days.)
It was an amazing family reunion! It wasn't quite complete without my brother, Tom and his wife Nancy, but with only that exception, the visit with each other, plus friends and neighbors was absolutely perfect!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Evolution Explained
Here it is in a nutshell:
If you're wondering where all the other steps (on the way to becoming a dinasaur) fit in:
Many diddly-what-nots" (bits and pieces of nothing) somehow got together and formed things that did not keep on evolving after finding their preferred shape, and size, and way of living, and permanent place in the theory that everything just evolved as time went on. Wow! Now, there's a thought!
Here's another thought: I guess when living bits and pieces of nothing quit evolving into something (or something else), evolution must have come to an end...somewhere along the line, yet, it is still claimed as fact (rather than theory) today. Hmmm, do you suppose the theory might be wrong? Do you suppose every living thing was actually created by an intelligent, supreme being who was able to speak the Word and cause it all to come into existence--just the way He planned it all? Hmmm...maybe we could call it "intelligent design" instead of random chance evolution.
That pretty much says it all.
Many diddly-what-nots" (bits and pieces of nothing) somehow got together and formed things that did not keep on evolving after finding their preferred shape, and size, and way of living, and permanent place in the theory that everything just evolved as time went on. Wow! Now, there's a thought!
Here's another thought: I guess when living bits and pieces of nothing quit evolving into something (or something else), evolution must have come to an end...somewhere along the line, yet, it is still claimed as fact (rather than theory) today. Hmmm, do you suppose the theory might be wrong? Do you suppose every living thing was actually created by an intelligent, supreme being who was able to speak the Word and cause it all to come into existence--just the way He planned it all? Hmmm...maybe we could call it "intelligent design" instead of random chance evolution.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
A True Story About Forgiveness and Grace
Preface: This is Tom's story. Larry and I know Tom and his wife Julie, personally, from our former church in Oregon. Even though I already knew this story, and spent much time in the home of Megan’s daddy–the judge, and even though I saw him cry through his loss…I was touched anew by the story as Diane has written it. I was stunned anew by the forgiveness God wrought in Tom’s heart, and the strength God gave him to act upon this forgiveness for his own soul, in order to give that same forgiveness to the man who murdered his precious daughter.
..
His story was written by Diane Comer, the wife of our former pastor at Solid Rock--a Jesus Church, and published yesterday on her blog "He Speaks in the Silence".
.
This was my comment and request to her:
"Diane, this story is so deeply profound and moving…I wonder if you would allow me to either repost it on my own blog (giving you the credit for it), or simply refer to your post and direct my readers to your blog. Please consider my request and let me know your preference. I would also like to pass this on to our pastor. Larry has already shared the story with him, back when we received Julie’s email telling the outcome of Tom’s visit to the prison.".
..
.
This was my comment and request to her:
"Diane, this story is so deeply profound and moving…I wonder if you would allow me to either repost it on my own blog (giving you the credit for it), or simply refer to your post and direct my readers to your blog. Please consider my request and let me know your preference. I would also like to pass this on to our pastor. Larry has already shared the story with him, back when we received Julie’s email telling the outcome of Tom’s visit to the prison.".
..
Diane's reply: "Jeannie~ This is Tom’s story which he allowed me to write in my own way… so you go ahead and pass it on in any way that works for you. What absolute astounding joy to see just the edges of how the Father will use the very worst of evil to draw hearts to His. And to think that sometimes I hesitate to forgive those who hurt my “feelings”!
Much love to you, Diane"
.
Jeannie said: "Thank you so much, Diane! Who knew how far-reaching Tom’s story would be! We have an amazing God who always turns the bad into good, for the glory of His name, and for the furtherance of His plan of redemption. Another great illustration of 'For God so loved the world…' "
Much love to you, Diane"
.
Jeannie said: "Thank you so much, Diane! Who knew how far-reaching Tom’s story would be! We have an amazing God who always turns the bad into good, for the glory of His name, and for the furtherance of His plan of redemption. Another great illustration of 'For God so loved the world…' "
...
Other comments to Diane about this story:
.
Grace said: "This is truly a remarkable story, sad but told in a very special poetic way. Diane, I love how you are such a wizard with words and you touch so many of us with your wisdom and encouragement each week. God blesses you with amazing positive energy to put beautiful words blended into thoughts with just the right depth to keep us pressing on, always looking ahead, never behind us."
.
Beth said: "A beautifully written story of unimaginable horror turned to something far reaching and for His glory. Amazing. Thank you for penning this in your blog!"
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Other comments to Diane about this story:
.
Grace said: "This is truly a remarkable story, sad but told in a very special poetic way. Diane, I love how you are such a wizard with words and you touch so many of us with your wisdom and encouragement each week. God blesses you with amazing positive energy to put beautiful words blended into thoughts with just the right depth to keep us pressing on, always looking ahead, never behind us."
.
Beth said: "A beautifully written story of unimaginable horror turned to something far reaching and for His glory. Amazing. Thank you for penning this in your blog!"
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.
Today I want to tell you a story.
Today I want to tell you a story.
.
But this is not a pretty story.
In fact, this story’s horrors may keep you up at night.
In fact, this story’s horrors may keep you up at night.
So if you only like the nice ones, go ahead and move on because…
.
There’s nothing nice about murder.
.
This story begins many, many years ago when a baby girl was born to her proud father and adoring mother. Like every little girl, Megan loved to twirl and dance and laugh out loud. She played baby dolls and drew pictures of the sun and the stars and green trees beside pretty houses.
.
She poured love and embraced life.
She poured love and embraced life.
.
But as so often happens for fairly-like little ones, Megan struggled through the painful metamorphosis from girlhood to womanhood.
Something snagged along the way. Pain invaded her safe cocoon. Misunderstanding and confusion and rejection and helplessness conspired to wreck her once-safe world.
Something snagged along the way. Pain invaded her safe cocoon. Misunderstanding and confusion and rejection and helplessness conspired to wreck her once-safe world.
.
So Megan ran away.
.
Away from the madness. Away from hurt. Away from a world gone bad.
Away from the madness. Away from hurt. Away from a world gone bad.
But as she fled the darkness, her feet stumbled into that blackest of pits, catching her there, gripping her tight—drugs.
.
This little girl who once swirled to the applause of her parents, descended into the dark relief of nothingness.
This little girl who once swirled to the applause of her parents, descended into the dark relief of nothingness.
.
Years passed. Years that should have been filled with boys and bouquets and snapshots of a life lived at the edge of joy. In their place were pictures of a hallow-eyed waif with too-limp hair and too-dull eyes.
Pictures that never made it to the scrapbooks.
Pictures that never made it to the scrapbooks.
.
Her parents tried to help.
Her parents tried to help.
.
Oh how they tried! Rehab and rescues and searching and letting go.
Oh how they tried! Rehab and rescues and searching and letting go.
.
But the lost girl stayed lost to all that love. Lost on purpose.
But the lost girl stayed lost to all that love. Lost on purpose.
.
And then one day the unthinkable twisted the nightmare into terror.
And then one day the unthinkable twisted the nightmare into terror.
.
Megan was murdered.
.
Her proud father had to hear. And so did her mama. How their baby,
their beautiful, angel-haired, twirling little girl died alone.
Her proud father had to hear. And so did her mama. How their baby,
their beautiful, angel-haired, twirling little girl died alone.
.
Afraid.
Afraid.
.
And somehow it seemed to all who knew, that Satan won that day.
And somehow it seemed to all who knew, that Satan won that day.
.
All those prayers. Didn’t God hear?
.
But this story didn’t end at Megan’s murder.
...
.
But this story didn’t end at Megan’s murder.
...
Maybe her story just started… maybe there’s a whole lot more to Megan’s life than her gruesome death… and maybe, just maybe, Megan is watching
beneath the arms of God
as this next saga of her story unfolds.
..
Megan’s adoring daddy, you see, is not a man to let things lie. He’s a man of action, of can-do-must-do-will-do drive.
And he’s a judge. The black robed,
stern visaged, gavel-pounding guy
behind the oak stand.
beneath the arms of God
as this next saga of her story unfolds.
..
Megan’s adoring daddy, you see, is not a man to let things lie. He’s a man of action, of can-do-must-do-will-do drive.
And he’s a judge. The black robed,
stern visaged, gavel-pounding guy
behind the oak stand.
.
His name is Tom.
His name is Tom.
.
Now I know what most of you are thinking.
Daddy gets bad guy and bad guy goes to hell! Right?
The good guys cheer and all the mamas all the world over
sleep a little easier tonight.
Now I know what most of you are thinking.
Daddy gets bad guy and bad guy goes to hell! Right?
The good guys cheer and all the mamas all the world over
sleep a little easier tonight.
.
But that’s not this story.
.
The bad guy did get caught. It took a long time and a lot of men and a lot of mamas with a lot of fire to get this guy. But they did it. They got him.
And they locked him behind steel so he could never hurt
a lost little Megan ever again.
And they locked him behind steel so he could never hurt
a lost little Megan ever again.
.
And he didn’t even say he was sorry. Not once. A really bad guy.
And Megan’s daddy— Tom— the judge— still grieved deep.
.
But somewhere in his mourning something happened.
Something strange and otherworldly and unexplainable.
Something about faith and the Father.
Something foreign to all the rest of us watching.
Something about faith and the Father.
Something foreign to all the rest of us watching.
.
Tom forgave the man.
Tom forgave the man.
..
Reaching deep into that part of the soul no one sees,
Tom’s yearning for peace turned him to the One who called himself
the Prince of Peace.
And so he opened the book about that strange one
and searched inside the words to find what no one else could give.
What he found there shook his heart.
Tom’s yearning for peace turned him to the One who called himself
the Prince of Peace.
And so he opened the book about that strange one
and searched inside the words to find what no one else could give.
What he found there shook his heart.
.
Words about mercy to the undeserving,
and grace for brutality
and forgiving the unforgivable.
Words about mercy to the undeserving,
and grace for brutality
and forgiving the unforgivable.
.
Words like “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”
Words like “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”
.
Those words.
Those words.
.
And Tom, the one on the outside of those prison walls, felt his soul set free.
And Tom, the one on the outside of those prison walls, felt his soul set free.
.
Really.
Really.
.
In fact, with the freeing of his heart, came something more.
Something hard to believe but true none-the-less.
In fact, with the freeing of his heart, came something more.
Something hard to believe but true none-the-less.
.
Tom, the-little-girl’s-adoring-daddy, that Tom, went behind the bars
to tell the man, that very bad man who had murdered his daughter,
about the One whose words set him free.
And that bad man who had never even wept a tear,
that one who had not so much as said 'I’m sorry',
broke apart.
to tell the man, that very bad man who had murdered his daughter,
about the One whose words set him free.
And that bad man who had never even wept a tear,
that one who had not so much as said 'I’m sorry',
broke apart.
.
While guards held guns and no one watched, Tom talked.
Words about One who died on purpose for men like him.
Bad men. And good ones too.
And how the God-man knew what He was doing when
He hung from that sin-scarred beam.
And how He had the bad man’s face and Megan’s face and Tom’s face
all tucked into His heart as He writhed in pain.
Words about One who died on purpose for men like him.
Bad men. And good ones too.
And how the God-man knew what He was doing when
He hung from that sin-scarred beam.
And how He had the bad man’s face and Megan’s face and Tom’s face
all tucked into His heart as He writhed in pain.
.
And Tom kept talking.
.
Words about why and words about how.
Words about life to the man who brought death to his daughter.
Words about life to the man who brought death to his daughter.
.
And when the man asked why, Tom just cried. A lot. And…
.
The one who wielded the knife and shed the blood and heard the screams—shattered in the face of forgiveness.
The one who wielded the knife and shed the blood and heard the screams—shattered in the face of forgiveness.
.
And I think Megan knows.
And smiles.
And twirls a bit before her other Father
with a glee and gladness and joy not known since her little girl days.
with a glee and gladness and joy not known since her little girl days.
.
And so do I.
.
And so should you.
.
Because that’s not just an ugly story about a world gone bad.
And that’s not a story where the evil one wins.
And that’s not a story where the evil one wins.
.
That’s a story about One who sets the prisoners free.
That’s a story about One who sets the prisoners free.
..
All of us.
.-------------------------------------------------------------------------
.-------------------------------------------------------------------------
.
Grace said: "Speechless. Such a sad story we can only relate to on an unrealistic level. For me, when I step back and really reflect and refocus, looking at the injustices in my life, it really looks like a “temper-tantrum” and trivial now. I think for most of us when we think of injustice, we immediately remember the rude guy on 217, or the insolent customer who made us feel small when we did the best we could. These things, while our feelings were involved are so selfish in comparison to the story here, even if we struggle to forgive real things like the wrong from our parents where we bear the scars from their mistakes; even then when we step back and analyze our story to this one, our injustice is marginal. Suddenly, the weight of the balance in circumstances shift and we see what true forgiveness is. If this humble man was able to look his enemy in the face and stare into his eyes and share the gospel with someone we could never bear to be in the same room with, surely we can forgive whatever injustice done upon us. This story should shatter whatever glass house we barricade ourselves in, always focusing on the ugly rather than forgive."
Grace said: "Speechless. Such a sad story we can only relate to on an unrealistic level. For me, when I step back and really reflect and refocus, looking at the injustices in my life, it really looks like a “temper-tantrum” and trivial now. I think for most of us when we think of injustice, we immediately remember the rude guy on 217, or the insolent customer who made us feel small when we did the best we could. These things, while our feelings were involved are so selfish in comparison to the story here, even if we struggle to forgive real things like the wrong from our parents where we bear the scars from their mistakes; even then when we step back and analyze our story to this one, our injustice is marginal. Suddenly, the weight of the balance in circumstances shift and we see what true forgiveness is. If this humble man was able to look his enemy in the face and stare into his eyes and share the gospel with someone we could never bear to be in the same room with, surely we can forgive whatever injustice done upon us. This story should shatter whatever glass house we barricade ourselves in, always focusing on the ugly rather than forgive."
Friday, June 3, 2011
Day Four of Our Four-Day Whirlwind
Continued from yesterday's post: Day Three of Our Four-Day Whirlwind
Memorial Day--finally a day all to ourselves!
We arose somewhat early to get a good start on our day, in order to be at "Six Flags" before the entrance lines got extremely long. Well, you know how it so often goes with well-made plans . . . we didn't get out quite as early as we had hoped, but still left the house at a decent time. The traffic volume wasn't terribly heavy, so that helped make up for some lost time . . .until we got a little closer to the park. Then we lost that bit of made up time.
By the time we finally got into the parking lot and then walked quite a ways to the entrance, long lines had already formed. However, we suddenly realized that the longest lines were only for buying tickets. We have annual passes, so we happily sailed right on past those lines . . . only to find another set of lines at the entrance gates. Fortunately, those lines weren't nearly as long. Unfortunately, after getting into the park, we had to go over to a third set of lines that was incredibly long! That wait was about 45 minutes just to get our season pass receipts transformed into official laminated cards with picture I.D. (We bought the annual passes on December 30, 2010 when we were there with our whole family who had come for the Christmas holidays, but we hadn't wanted to take the time to get them registered and made into actual cards.)
About an hour and a half after the park opened, we were finally choosing which ride to go on first. (Six Flags is a themed amusement park.) We rode just a few rides and then stopped for lunch. Then we spent the afternoon riding lots more rides, and browsing in several shops. At long last, we were finally ready to take the plunge--the water rides.
The first was a "flume" (hollowed out log) ride that was quite pleasant,. It had just enough hills and speed to make it fun, but not too scary, plus we barely got wet. It was just the perfect water ride for someone who wants a really enjoyable ride without getting too wet.
Then we moved up a step to a white water "raft" ride in a huge, round, floating tub (kind of like a giant inner tube) that held about 8-10 people sitting around the circle. The "river" was really wild, and the bobbing raft turned freely in the strong, fast current. Everyone got their turn at getting wet (some more than others), but no one wanted to be the unlucky ones stuck at the front of the tub (with their back to what came next) when it got to the last and strongest white water waves. Guess who was in that dreaded position when we hit that final set of the wildest rapids of the entire ride? Larry and me! For us it was an instant backwards plunge into really big waves of rushing water! (Don't worry, we were strapped in.) The waves just inundated us! When we climbed out of that "bathtub", we were both totally soaked, almost as though we had just taken a dip in the pool. We were shocked, having not realized as we watched the ride while waiting in line, that we would actually get that drenched! Fortunately, the day was quite warm, so the wetness was refreshing, but not chilling!
We had planned to leave the park after that ride because it was getting to be supper time, and we had planned to stop at a restaurant on the way home. Due to our thorough soaking, we were forced to stay for another hour or so, hoping the hot sun would dry our clothes quickly. Walking around in totally soaking clothing seemed a bit strange, and felt kinda yucky! We finally gave up on drying out completely, and headed for the car, still quite damp. We did stop at a restaurant (The Cracker Barrel) on the way home, even though we probably didn't look that great. In addition to our unkempt appearances, I was a bit uneasy about sitting down on a wooden chair, wearing damp pants. I just hope we didn't ruin their nice wood chairs.
It was around 9:30 when we finally arrived home, tired but happy! The next morning it was time to go back to work as usual--no sleeping in to recoup the whopping amount of energy expended over the past four days of total fun!
Thus ended our four-day whirlwind!
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Memorial Day--finally a day all to ourselves!
Just us and a few thousand others!
We arose somewhat early to get a good start on our day, in order to be at "Six Flags" before the entrance lines got extremely long. Well, you know how it so often goes with well-made plans . . . we didn't get out quite as early as we had hoped, but still left the house at a decent time. The traffic volume wasn't terribly heavy, so that helped make up for some lost time . . .until we got a little closer to the park. Then we lost that bit of made up time.
By the time we finally got into the parking lot and then walked quite a ways to the entrance, long lines had already formed. However, we suddenly realized that the longest lines were only for buying tickets. We have annual passes, so we happily sailed right on past those lines . . . only to find another set of lines at the entrance gates. Fortunately, those lines weren't nearly as long. Unfortunately, after getting into the park, we had to go over to a third set of lines that was incredibly long! That wait was about 45 minutes just to get our season pass receipts transformed into official laminated cards with picture I.D. (We bought the annual passes on December 30, 2010 when we were there with our whole family who had come for the Christmas holidays, but we hadn't wanted to take the time to get them registered and made into actual cards.)
About an hour and a half after the park opened, we were finally choosing which ride to go on first. (Six Flags is a themed amusement park.) We rode just a few rides and then stopped for lunch. Then we spent the afternoon riding lots more rides, and browsing in several shops. At long last, we were finally ready to take the plunge--the water rides.
The first was a "flume" (hollowed out log) ride that was quite pleasant,. It had just enough hills and speed to make it fun, but not too scary, plus we barely got wet. It was just the perfect water ride for someone who wants a really enjoyable ride without getting too wet.
Then we moved up a step to a white water "raft" ride in a huge, round, floating tub (kind of like a giant inner tube) that held about 8-10 people sitting around the circle. The "river" was really wild, and the bobbing raft turned freely in the strong, fast current. Everyone got their turn at getting wet (some more than others), but no one wanted to be the unlucky ones stuck at the front of the tub (with their back to what came next) when it got to the last and strongest white water waves. Guess who was in that dreaded position when we hit that final set of the wildest rapids of the entire ride? Larry and me! For us it was an instant backwards plunge into really big waves of rushing water! (Don't worry, we were strapped in.) The waves just inundated us! When we climbed out of that "bathtub", we were both totally soaked, almost as though we had just taken a dip in the pool. We were shocked, having not realized as we watched the ride while waiting in line, that we would actually get that drenched! Fortunately, the day was quite warm, so the wetness was refreshing, but not chilling!
We had planned to leave the park after that ride because it was getting to be supper time, and we had planned to stop at a restaurant on the way home. Due to our thorough soaking, we were forced to stay for another hour or so, hoping the hot sun would dry our clothes quickly. Walking around in totally soaking clothing seemed a bit strange, and felt kinda yucky! We finally gave up on drying out completely, and headed for the car, still quite damp. We did stop at a restaurant (The Cracker Barrel) on the way home, even though we probably didn't look that great. In addition to our unkempt appearances, I was a bit uneasy about sitting down on a wooden chair, wearing damp pants. I just hope we didn't ruin their nice wood chairs.
It was around 9:30 when we finally arrived home, tired but happy! The next morning it was time to go back to work as usual--no sleeping in to recoup the whopping amount of energy expended over the past four days of total fun!
Thus ended our four-day whirlwind!
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