I am quite demoralized after going to Bible study Thursday night and not getting any pictures. Not even of the food!! It was good food too. Josh turned out three crock pots and types of chicken and barley stew along with four types of bread, made from scratch. And Wes showed up! A better encourager and finger-pointer at God's glory is hard to find.
Study Topic - mostly forgiveness. The act of forgiveness has always been a difficult one for me to grasp. It's similar to how I like to have a plan for most things (not making plans, just having them), or how I like to understand something completely before jumping into or accepting it. It's an issue of control for sure. But I also get lazy, of course, and then all that stuff can go out the window.
If I'm going to forgive someone of something, I want to reconcile everything they did, know that they wanted forgiveness, and won't do it again. I hold quite a bit of contempt for a person who I believe is likely to perform whatever the offense is again in the future. Not biblical of course - Matthew 18:21 I strain just for the knowledge that the person wants to change or keep it from happening again, to help me out.
The Bible tells us that we must ask for forgiveness from God for our sins, and praise Him, we can receive it! Acts 13:38 But it tells us that we have to recognize our wrongdoing before him, and repent. It doesn't tell us that WE have to have that requirement for others though. Mark 11:25 Actually, it does. Luke 17:3,4 I haven't resolved this verse yet, but teachers and Godly men far wiser than I teach that we are required to forgive regardless, and many other verses testify this aspect as well.. Jesus asked His Father to forgive the people who were despising and hurting Him at the cross, even while they were doing it. They weren't repentant yet, and that wasn't a saving act of forgiveness, it was an act of grace and a forgiving spirit. (Luke 23:34)
James McDonald read the definition in a recent (recent to me) sermon on forgiveness to be "Releasing someone from the responsibility of making things right for what they may have done to offend you and from it's consequences." (paraphrased on my part) Well, defining it like that at least gives me something methodical to start with. If Erika steals my dessert at church dinner, part of forgiveness will look like not expecting or demanding her to return it or pay for it or even say sorry. But that's just the emotionless logical part of it. There's alot of anger, hurt and other emotion in many offenses. I pity the person who can just cover those emotions, because they'll never go away, nor the signs that they are there.
Forgiveness, like most other spiritual disciplines, is a continuous refocusing of our priories onto God's priorities. If I forgive, I will not only have a vision of my interaction with the offender being absent of payment or retribution, but also, of encouraging and benefiting them in what I do. I will pray for the person, and not just a lofty prayer about him/her becoming a nicer person :-) I will try to do whats best and profitable FOR them in everything I do. Wow...forgiveness got a little easier for a second there, and then ALOT harder. It's about what our goals really are, not just an action!
Erika, I FORGIVE you for taking my dessert!!!!! :-)
There are definitely folks I have struggled to forgive, who have just as much or more to forgive me for. It's a work in progress that has gone further recently. I hope I beat them to completion, though I have no way of knowing.
Disclaimer - The illustrations in this post were completely fictional and the above mentioned names are not involved in any offenses to myself....that I know of...but Erika still deserves harassment. Thank you for being our object lesson today!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
G-ma
So, I have a terrific Grandmother, or G-ma as Cara H. used to call them. She also gave me the words "rents" (parents) and "sheesh"...but we're not talking about that right now, we're talking about G-ma...stay with me.
(I have no excuse for the frown...very odd)
G-ma's given me so much in life that could easily have been taken for granted. Sayings, stories, correction, lovin'. Ya, the kisses were kinda gross. All G-ma kisses get that way eventually.
She turns 97 this year on Halloween. When it was a little less stressful to spend time with her (currently more difficult for me) I passed the time with her by getting her to tell me stories. I love information (even though I always end up forgetting the details) and soaking up stories of how life worked in the Midwest from the 20's to the 50's is very entertaining to me. People took the train alot. Cars weren't so common for every household. They enjoyed the simpler things.
Grandpa worked for a company that delivered all sorts of goods directly to people's houses. The relationship between customer, retailer, supplier and source for certain goods used to be sooooo different.
Grandmother took the buss alot. She took my brother and me on the bus a bit when we were kids too. That's the only reason I even know what it's like to use our wonderful public transportation. I think the bus experience has changed a bit since then.
She told me how Mom was strictly forbidden to cross the street by herself as a child. One day, G-ma didn't make it to school to pick her up. A truck driver saw mom standing at the corner wanting to cross to walk home. He got out and helped her across the street. Doesn't sound normal these days does it? You wouldn't be caught dead talking to a random kid on the corner as you drive by anymore. Times change. Also, this crossing was relatively close to my current house where mom would now freak out if I went jogging in the evening. Places change.
I also got alot of sayings and tunes from G-ma. "Here come da judge, here come da judge", "Just a dab'll do ya". She had an old song in the back of her head for just about everything, and that included alot of Hymns, which Mom has too. My mind is drawing blank right now for more. Do you have any more Mom?
Why am I rambling on about this stuff to you? Well, you shouldn't bother me with questions like that, but I'll tell you anyway.
G-ma's health has been declining for the last few years, of course. It's gotten pretty rough recently with her mind going alot more. She's been in the hospital many times over the last decade, and usually recovers quite well. Tuesday night she went in again for a possible stroke, but it turned out to be an infection. Lets not get into how those two could be confused... The point is, she's doing much better now. Though it would be nice if the doctors gave her the correct meds.
Mom and Dad are pretty used to it. She kept an eye on G-ma during tests and Dad brought his book. I used to love hospitals. My brother and I goofed around alot while G-pa was in there before dying of a second heart attack almost 15 years ago. Since then, however, it's just become more depressing because of all the hurting people and medical "thingies" all over the place. I'm a people watcher and I was quite distracted (sorry Dad) in the waiting room observing the type of people in there and eavesdropping on conversations.
On the way to the hospital, I heard the song "Everybody want to go to heaven (But nobody want to go now)". A common reflection for sure about the world's desire to live life their way, and hope for a happy ending reward. But even in light of a life lived in Jesus Christ's Lordship, most Christians I know would not look forward to the end of their life, even knowing the glorious eternity that awaits. I think people like G-ma are easily exceptions to this rule. She's had a good long life with family who loved her very much. A husband who's gone on before, and the certain hope of Christ's purchased place for her in heaven. But, it ain't her time yet.
Well, I for one look forward to it as well. "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" Philippians 1:21 Some days more than others. Though I've never seen much "death" danger up close, I've been in plenty of situations (in travel and such) where I saw the potential and worried very little about it. Sometimes I caused the potential...like turning the furnace on the first time this year (long story). I guess I should be a little more concerned about blowing myself up when two other guys have lots of stuff in the house :-)
G-ma's given me so much in life that could easily have been taken for granted. Sayings, stories, correction, lovin'. Ya, the kisses were kinda gross. All G-ma kisses get that way eventually.
She turns 97 this year on Halloween. When it was a little less stressful to spend time with her (currently more difficult for me) I passed the time with her by getting her to tell me stories. I love information (even though I always end up forgetting the details) and soaking up stories of how life worked in the Midwest from the 20's to the 50's is very entertaining to me. People took the train alot. Cars weren't so common for every household. They enjoyed the simpler things.
Grandpa worked for a company that delivered all sorts of goods directly to people's houses. The relationship between customer, retailer, supplier and source for certain goods used to be sooooo different.
Grandmother took the buss alot. She took my brother and me on the bus a bit when we were kids too. That's the only reason I even know what it's like to use our wonderful public transportation. I think the bus experience has changed a bit since then.
She told me how Mom was strictly forbidden to cross the street by herself as a child. One day, G-ma didn't make it to school to pick her up. A truck driver saw mom standing at the corner wanting to cross to walk home. He got out and helped her across the street. Doesn't sound normal these days does it? You wouldn't be caught dead talking to a random kid on the corner as you drive by anymore. Times change. Also, this crossing was relatively close to my current house where mom would now freak out if I went jogging in the evening. Places change.
I also got alot of sayings and tunes from G-ma. "Here come da judge, here come da judge", "Just a dab'll do ya". She had an old song in the back of her head for just about everything, and that included alot of Hymns, which Mom has too. My mind is drawing blank right now for more. Do you have any more Mom?
Why am I rambling on about this stuff to you? Well, you shouldn't bother me with questions like that, but I'll tell you anyway.
G-ma's health has been declining for the last few years, of course. It's gotten pretty rough recently with her mind going alot more. She's been in the hospital many times over the last decade, and usually recovers quite well. Tuesday night she went in again for a possible stroke, but it turned out to be an infection. Lets not get into how those two could be confused... The point is, she's doing much better now. Though it would be nice if the doctors gave her the correct meds.Mom and Dad are pretty used to it. She kept an eye on G-ma during tests and Dad brought his book. I used to love hospitals. My brother and I goofed around alot while G-pa was in there before dying of a second heart attack almost 15 years ago. Since then, however, it's just become more depressing because of all the hurting people and medical "thingies" all over the place. I'm a people watcher and I was quite distracted (sorry Dad) in the waiting room observing the type of people in there and eavesdropping on conversations.
On the way to the hospital, I heard the song "Everybody want to go to heaven (But nobody want to go now)". A common reflection for sure about the world's desire to live life their way, and hope for a happy ending reward. But even in light of a life lived in Jesus Christ's Lordship, most Christians I know would not look forward to the end of their life, even knowing the glorious eternity that awaits. I think people like G-ma are easily exceptions to this rule. She's had a good long life with family who loved her very much. A husband who's gone on before, and the certain hope of Christ's purchased place for her in heaven. But, it ain't her time yet.
Well, I for one look forward to it as well. "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" Philippians 1:21 Some days more than others. Though I've never seen much "death" danger up close, I've been in plenty of situations (in travel and such) where I saw the potential and worried very little about it. Sometimes I caused the potential...like turning the furnace on the first time this year (long story). I guess I should be a little more concerned about blowing myself up when two other guys have lots of stuff in the house :-)
Mice And Loud Music
Discipleship group checked out Panache this week. I knew they had music occasionally, but turns out it's live music five nights a week. Donovan and crew were quite loud. The wondering group will try Panera next week, and if necessary...Kades. We get dibs on seats since the other group meets at 7:45. Suckerrrrs! :-)
Here's the crew.
I'm not very good at keeping a conversation going with a group. It's extremely beneficial that theses guys are willing to talk and respond to pointed questions.
Before going to discipleship group, I got to do some killing. Now, I really do think mice are cute. Even bats are cute, when they're not flying around. But it's getting quite easy to annihilate the little rodents. Julie came over after work to see if we had any mouse traps, and to avoid going back to her place where a mouse had just taken a dive into their wedding gifted ice cream maker ice cream mix.
We went over with three traps and some peanut butter. The little booger had actually made quite a nice little hole, right next to the food. How creatures get around our houses intrigues me.
Anyway. I wasn't home for more than 20 minutes before getting word that they caught him. He must have been a lonely bachelor because they haven't caught any since. I told Julie to stand on a chair and scream really loud anyway, just in case.
Here's the crew.
I'm not very good at keeping a conversation going with a group. It's extremely beneficial that theses guys are willing to talk and respond to pointed questions.
Before going to discipleship group, I got to do some killing. Now, I really do think mice are cute. Even bats are cute, when they're not flying around. But it's getting quite easy to annihilate the little rodents. Julie came over after work to see if we had any mouse traps, and to avoid going back to her place where a mouse had just taken a dive into their wedding gifted ice cream maker ice cream mix.We went over with three traps and some peanut butter. The little booger had actually made quite a nice little hole, right next to the food. How creatures get around our houses intrigues me.
Anyway. I wasn't home for more than 20 minutes before getting word that they caught him. He must have been a lonely bachelor because they haven't caught any since. I told Julie to stand on a chair and scream really loud anyway, just in case.
Kari's New Digs
Nothing Unique? That's what I said about Monday, but I was wrong. Totally forgot about the tour I was given of my friend Kari's new house. She closed on Monday, and after an event planning meeting, invited us to check it out. Well, Josh and I kinda invited ourselves. She still hasn't given us keys, but I'm sure it's just because there aren't enough copies. :-)
Here's the living room chandelier. Impressive. Looks like there's alot of work to do. Better get on that light bulb Kari.
Aaaand here's one of the two attic access doors. Very important for you to know.
Oh..you wanted actual pictures of the house? Here's the living room, and anywhere between 20%-55% of three people. Aren't people supposed to get BETTER at taking pictures as time goes on? I'm a people!
Here's the living room chandelier. Impressive. Looks like there's alot of work to do. Better get on that light bulb Kari.
Aaaand here's one of the two attic access doors. Very important for you to know.
Oh..you wanted actual pictures of the house? Here's the living room, and anywhere between 20%-55% of three people. Aren't people supposed to get BETTER at taking pictures as time goes on? I'm a people!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Those Are Perfectly Good Minutes!
Nothing too unique to speak of from Sunday or Monday, but here's a couple pics from Sunday lunch at Chevy's. They'll just go to waste if we don't use them!
"The CLAWWWWW"
"Alllllllll gone."
"The CLAWWWWW"
"Alllllllll gone."
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Congratulations Chris and Jerelyn!!
A quick note on this month's Men's breakfast. Roger Bennignton gave us his testimony and shared what opportunities God has used him in, and used his family in over the years through Cars.
I feel pretty down at times when I see how people who put alot of passionate energy into something constructive (even if it seems vain at times) and have been able to use it in so many glorifying ways. What have I put my time into with results other than TV, movies, games and laughing?
Ben and his ridiculous corduroy hat! Take it off now! :-)
Any last words? ".......no".Chris' three brothers were groomsman. A modest bunch of studly farm boys.
Something feels strangely familiar about this.
This wedding was filled with children. The ring bearer, Junior bridesmaid, a baby and her driver, and two flower tots.
A bunch of crazies thought Josh looked like their friend Fred (link to picture) at Jed's wedding. Um no! That's right, you heard me! Honestly. How about this one though? They even have the same name this time.
Well...almost the same.
The Jedster and I. I'm very lucky to have someone I'm close to at each of these weddings.
Josh was in the wedding for his pretty singing voice. The rehearsal dinner was the first time he and his duet partner had practiced the song, so they got some more in about an hour before the wedding. The picture had to be taken during practice because it definitely wasn't going to be used by me during the wedding.
Check out the moderately good looking, sorta cute, kinda so so bridesmaids that Jerelyn decked out the wedding with. A couple of them got a little nutz, letting the wedding day makeup and hairdos get it in their heads that they were "Hot Bridesmaids". Even going so far as to write it on the rear windows of their cars. So vain. What's worse is that the loser(s) who did it forgot to take pictures....whoops.Elise is a super photographer, but didn't bring her camera to this event. Perfect, because I needed someone not on stage to get some sweet shots for me. Steve and Elise gave me bonuses too. The camera was returned filled with Treyness! Yea!!! Thank you guys.
Score!! These wonderful ladies were very gracious in allowing me to brag since they are actually very happily married. Christi, on the right, and her husband will actually be hoodies a block away from me in a few months!
Within moments of being shown this sweet candy corn trick by Christin, I had to have Peter try it out. Very cool.
Car decorating #2 was not as well prepared as the last one because Jess was not around. However, with leftovers and the most random stuff you can think of from Kari's desk, we made it happen.
"You hear that? She called me a noble steed. She think I'm a STEED!".
Monday, October 20, 2008
The Joy Of The Lord Is Your Strength!
Scripture on my mind today.
Nehemiah 8:10b "This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
The Lord encourages me to not be distracted by things in life that seem to go poorly or even terribly, but to focus, focus, and refocus on the work he has set me here for, and the people who so easily fall through the cracks while I wallow. What a weak-minded person am I. Distracted by the smallest....oooo look at the kitty.
Nehemiah 8:10b "This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
The Lord encourages me to not be distracted by things in life that seem to go poorly or even terribly, but to focus, focus, and refocus on the work he has set me here for, and the people who so easily fall through the cracks while I wallow. What a weak-minded person am I. Distracted by the smallest....oooo look at the kitty.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
REhearsals and REunions
Look at that, two words that begin with RE...HA....Haha....ha...uhhh
Before Chris and Jerelyn's wedding rehearsal last Friday, Jonny B's "Heavy Half" was utilized to retrieve one of their wedding gifts from the hoodies. I had no idea how compact it was, and that Jon's truck was not actually needed. It's a blast to drive though.
Check it out, Albertson's new driveway is lookin' good!
This was the last wedding rehearsal dinner of the year for me. Chris and Jerelyn's family and friends had the chance to mingle, meet and eat (when will the word play end?!)
Yes, pictures are going downhill. I know this.
The pie was so amazing, Josh almost cried.
Chris and Jerelyn decked us out with some pretty swanky gifts. Thank you for letting us be part of your day, and being so generous long before your wedding rehearsal!
Surprise! Look who's presiding over this wedding (microphone on belt). You'd think Pastor Daniel was the only guy allowed to wed people at Bethany. In fact, I think I've been blessed to see Ritch, Lyall, Daniel, Chris and Fred perform weddings. Joey and Joel, start bidding!
With so many friends from the good ole Career Impact days in for the wedding, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to force them to hang out with me one more time. The ladies took me to Peoria's new Sonic for my first visit. Jeremy got there just in time to try to make our rollerskateress fall. He failed. Not a fan of the camera either. Lighten up sourpuss.
A couple of the Bridesmaids in the wedding are friends of mine from days past.
I knew Lisa (middle) from college (guess which one) and later as she was involved in our Sunday School class. She ditched us for her hubby but is still in the area :-) They have a great blog, but Jeff is emulating Storm's dedication to his own (aka, slacking). Yup, the New York trip they spoke of is the same one we were on.
Christin (left) was in our class before I showed up. Last year she moved away, sadly, to Bloomington for job. After a rough year, she now enjoys a wonderful job, roommate and church. They have a shortage of single guys at her church actually. Men, who's with me???
One of Christin's favorite things to do when she was a Peorian was to hang with friends at her apartment. How strange. And as unlikely as it sounds, other people enjoy the same thing! So when Christin had people over for casual Ice cream, movies, Dutch Blitz, Spoons, DDR and more, she often made sure to invite at least one or two folks she otherwise would not have gotten to know or enjoy, and vise-a-versa. No, I'm not so naive that I missed the occasional matchmaking motives :-) Christin is greatly missed, and not just for her party logistics skills...but that too.
To the right is Christin's partner in social crime, Erica, the wedding coordinator. Another terrific party planner and tireless encourager. Jeremy snatched her up and I've been trying to convince her to leave him ever since. :-)
By the way...FOOD! Butterfinger Blast to be exact.
Before Chris and Jerelyn's wedding rehearsal last Friday, Jonny B's "Heavy Half" was utilized to retrieve one of their wedding gifts from the hoodies. I had no idea how compact it was, and that Jon's truck was not actually needed. It's a blast to drive though.
Check it out, Albertson's new driveway is lookin' good!This was the last wedding rehearsal dinner of the year for me. Chris and Jerelyn's family and friends had the chance to mingle, meet and eat (when will the word play end?!)
Yes, pictures are going downhill. I know this.
The pie was so amazing, Josh almost cried.
Chris and Jerelyn decked us out with some pretty swanky gifts. Thank you for letting us be part of your day, and being so generous long before your wedding rehearsal!
Surprise! Look who's presiding over this wedding (microphone on belt). You'd think Pastor Daniel was the only guy allowed to wed people at Bethany. In fact, I think I've been blessed to see Ritch, Lyall, Daniel, Chris and Fred perform weddings. Joey and Joel, start bidding!With so many friends from the good ole Career Impact days in for the wedding, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to force them to hang out with me one more time. The ladies took me to Peoria's new Sonic for my first visit. Jeremy got there just in time to try to make our rollerskateress fall. He failed. Not a fan of the camera either. Lighten up sourpuss.
A couple of the Bridesmaids in the wedding are friends of mine from days past.
I knew Lisa (middle) from college (guess which one) and later as she was involved in our Sunday School class. She ditched us for her hubby but is still in the area :-) They have a great blog, but Jeff is emulating Storm's dedication to his own (aka, slacking). Yup, the New York trip they spoke of is the same one we were on.
Christin (left) was in our class before I showed up. Last year she moved away, sadly, to Bloomington for job. After a rough year, she now enjoys a wonderful job, roommate and church. They have a shortage of single guys at her church actually. Men, who's with me???
One of Christin's favorite things to do when she was a Peorian was to hang with friends at her apartment. How strange. And as unlikely as it sounds, other people enjoy the same thing! So when Christin had people over for casual Ice cream, movies, Dutch Blitz, Spoons, DDR and more, she often made sure to invite at least one or two folks she otherwise would not have gotten to know or enjoy, and vise-a-versa. No, I'm not so naive that I missed the occasional matchmaking motives :-) Christin is greatly missed, and not just for her party logistics skills...but that too.
To the right is Christin's partner in social crime, Erica, the wedding coordinator. Another terrific party planner and tireless encourager. Jeremy snatched her up and I've been trying to convince her to leave him ever since. :-)
By the way...FOOD! Butterfinger Blast to be exact.
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