John 1:45 Philip found Nathanael, and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”
From the very start people were making amazing statements about Jesus. No miracles, no healings, no demons cast out and already Philip declares that he is the one the scriptures are waiting for. It must have been amazing to look in his eyes. Those who met this Jesus must have seen something so strong and powerful that they just knew he was special. In a couple of lines Nathanael says, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” The thought of the kingly messiah is even exceeded by that statement. What makes some people so open to perceive the identity of Jesus.
In the gospel accounts we watch these same disciples ebb and flow in their understanding of the one in their presence. I know in my life I can identify times when I was ready in some way for momentous encounters with Jesus. At other times my spiritual life just moved along hopefully not losing what Jesus had already taught me. Other moments followed at unpredictable intervals and never with any clear event that opened me to new revelations. I would love to know how to help people find that place where meeting Jesus is so easy. I've watched others at those moments of growth and encounters with Jesus and again I don't see a pattern. I do know that when we truly seek him not for ourselves but because we have come to value Jesus, then Jesus reveals himself.
We have so much more evidence of the nature and power of God present in Jesus. It should be so much easier for us to encounter the living Christ. Seek, really seek, and you will find, or perhaps more accurately be found.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
The Giver
Mark 8:6 And he commanded the crowd to sit down on the ground; and he took the seven loaves, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and they set them before the crowd.
He gives and gives and gives. That is Jesus nature, that is the nature of God the creator and sustainer of the whole creation. The gospel accounts of Jesus life show a man who had a singular focus, to reveal the will of God for people. He spoke continually about the need for us to care for one another and he showed that kind of caring for people he came in contact with on his journey. His feeding episodes are just a profound example of his normal attitude. I don't find situations where he is asking for things for himself. I know people did things for him, but I don't hear him seeking special care from others.
I can think of no single focus I need more to emulate Jesus than to main my focus on the needs of others. And yet we live in the most exaggerated me first generation of all time. Over and over you here that common phrase, "What's in it for me?". The solution to every problem is to provide more and more excess for people who need for nothing. People declare loudly that they are not Jesus and will never be Jesus but often that means they minimize any effort to emulate him. Just fail to be like him and continue to seek forgiveness in a ho hum matter of fact surrender to a self-centered life.
It is that unconditional aspect of God's giving that is our challenge. We are not asked to provide for those who deserve it, that is not God's standard. We are called to act like God and provide for others like God provides for us.
He gives and gives and gives. That is Jesus nature, that is the nature of God the creator and sustainer of the whole creation. The gospel accounts of Jesus life show a man who had a singular focus, to reveal the will of God for people. He spoke continually about the need for us to care for one another and he showed that kind of caring for people he came in contact with on his journey. His feeding episodes are just a profound example of his normal attitude. I don't find situations where he is asking for things for himself. I know people did things for him, but I don't hear him seeking special care from others.
I can think of no single focus I need more to emulate Jesus than to main my focus on the needs of others. And yet we live in the most exaggerated me first generation of all time. Over and over you here that common phrase, "What's in it for me?". The solution to every problem is to provide more and more excess for people who need for nothing. People declare loudly that they are not Jesus and will never be Jesus but often that means they minimize any effort to emulate him. Just fail to be like him and continue to seek forgiveness in a ho hum matter of fact surrender to a self-centered life.
It is that unconditional aspect of God's giving that is our challenge. We are not asked to provide for those who deserve it, that is not God's standard. We are called to act like God and provide for others like God provides for us.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Quiet Please
Mark 7:36-37 And he charged them to tell no one; but the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well; he even makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak.”
In a modern world where it seems an impossible task for people to tell someone else what God has done for them, it seems funny that Jesus wants people to keep quiet. It is even more humorous in a modern context to think that they kept telling everyone they knew. Why did they do the exact opposite of what Jesus desired in that moment and why do we do exactly the opposite of what Jesus wanted in this era. You see Jesus said that we are to make disciples of all nations and to teach them all that he taught us.
As a priest I'm put in many situations where speaking of Jesus is expected and is normal and natural. I need to go back to those early days of my Christian life even before I felt called to be a priest to examine my own behavior in talking about Jesus. I like to think that I was very expressive of my faith, and I do have some examples that would fit that description but I'm not sure I was as effective as jesus would like. At this point I can easily hide in my profession, but even that is mostly vocal with people already in the church.
The question still remains. Why do the opposite of what Jesus desires?
In a modern world where it seems an impossible task for people to tell someone else what God has done for them, it seems funny that Jesus wants people to keep quiet. It is even more humorous in a modern context to think that they kept telling everyone they knew. Why did they do the exact opposite of what Jesus desired in that moment and why do we do exactly the opposite of what Jesus wanted in this era. You see Jesus said that we are to make disciples of all nations and to teach them all that he taught us.
As a priest I'm put in many situations where speaking of Jesus is expected and is normal and natural. I need to go back to those early days of my Christian life even before I felt called to be a priest to examine my own behavior in talking about Jesus. I like to think that I was very expressive of my faith, and I do have some examples that would fit that description but I'm not sure I was as effective as jesus would like. At this point I can easily hide in my profession, but even that is mostly vocal with people already in the church.
The question still remains. Why do the opposite of what Jesus desires?
Defiled
Mark 7:20-23 “What comes out of a man is what defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, fornication, theft, murder, adultery, coveting,wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a man.”
When I look at human nature I see so much of those things that Jesus listed as coming out of a man. When we turn our free will to it's common focus of "I want what I want when I want it.", we see that these behaviors come streaming out. Some give us momentary gratification, or a sense of control or power, but at the same time they naturally strip away our peace and our joy. They lead us to protect ourselves from other people who want what they want when they want it and are willing to use or manipulate you to their advantage or for their gratification. What comes out of us defiles us because we lose some of our most valuable possessions all of which have to do with internal peace and joy and trust and the ability to give and receive true love.
When we let God in then we find a source of different things to come out of a man. The change is not automatic but the sometimes gradual and always persistent changes that God creates in us leads to the new man of which the scriptures speak. I am a new creation in Christ, the old has gone and the new has come, thanks be to God.
Defilement is less common coming out from me I hope and pray these days. I wade in the waters of peace and joy and love these days. My human nature is wounded and bleeding but not gone. I know that daily giving myself to Christ keeps the wounded one down, but I know I need the help of the Holy Spirit to live the life that best for me and all those around me as well.
When I look at human nature I see so much of those things that Jesus listed as coming out of a man. When we turn our free will to it's common focus of "I want what I want when I want it.", we see that these behaviors come streaming out. Some give us momentary gratification, or a sense of control or power, but at the same time they naturally strip away our peace and our joy. They lead us to protect ourselves from other people who want what they want when they want it and are willing to use or manipulate you to their advantage or for their gratification. What comes out of us defiles us because we lose some of our most valuable possessions all of which have to do with internal peace and joy and trust and the ability to give and receive true love.
When we let God in then we find a source of different things to come out of a man. The change is not automatic but the sometimes gradual and always persistent changes that God creates in us leads to the new man of which the scriptures speak. I am a new creation in Christ, the old has gone and the new has come, thanks be to God.
Defilement is less common coming out from me I hope and pray these days. I wade in the waters of peace and joy and love these days. My human nature is wounded and bleeding but not gone. I know that daily giving myself to Christ keeps the wounded one down, but I know I need the help of the Holy Spirit to live the life that best for me and all those around me as well.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Hard Hearts
Mark 6:51-52 And he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.
Did you ever think that your greatest strength could be your greatest weakness, or that the your greatest gift could be your greatest curse. I've wrestled with the ramifications of free will for many years. The best I've been able to do with it is that all the good that comes from free will and God's complete commitment to to not removing it from us ever, is that I couldn't really give or receive love if I wasn't completely free. That means I also must be free to hate and hurt or steal or lie. The greatest gift of God, that gives me the most pleasure in life, is also the source of the greatest human problems.
Another example with a little facetious twist is our character traits. My wife used to say I was stubborn as a mule, and I would say tell her she was only being negative because stubborn is just the bad word for persistent. I don't give up that's true and sometimes I admit that is really stubborn but often it is just a good persistence. A weakness and strength on different occasions.
Our human need to understand is like that. What we don't understand, we often deny. I've had many conversations about my spiritual experiences that get quickly wrapped up and disregarded because the other person says they don't understand. They can't fit it into some neat rational package so they deny my reality. Even the disciples in the boat had some wrong reaction to Jesus calming the seas because they didn't understand and the scriptures describe it as a hardened heart.
I struggle to understand many things, but I pray I avoid a hardened heart.
Did you ever think that your greatest strength could be your greatest weakness, or that the your greatest gift could be your greatest curse. I've wrestled with the ramifications of free will for many years. The best I've been able to do with it is that all the good that comes from free will and God's complete commitment to to not removing it from us ever, is that I couldn't really give or receive love if I wasn't completely free. That means I also must be free to hate and hurt or steal or lie. The greatest gift of God, that gives me the most pleasure in life, is also the source of the greatest human problems.
Another example with a little facetious twist is our character traits. My wife used to say I was stubborn as a mule, and I would say tell her she was only being negative because stubborn is just the bad word for persistent. I don't give up that's true and sometimes I admit that is really stubborn but often it is just a good persistence. A weakness and strength on different occasions.
Our human need to understand is like that. What we don't understand, we often deny. I've had many conversations about my spiritual experiences that get quickly wrapped up and disregarded because the other person says they don't understand. They can't fit it into some neat rational package so they deny my reality. Even the disciples in the boat had some wrong reaction to Jesus calming the seas because they didn't understand and the scriptures describe it as a hardened heart.
I struggle to understand many things, but I pray I avoid a hardened heart.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
How Much Is Enough
Mark 6:30-31 The apostles returned to Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.
We have this modern American notion that life is supposed to be easy. Rest and relaxation are an expectation even if they are not a reality. Even those who work very hard have some time for rest and relaxation if they want to take it. We can't imagine a life that has no leisure even to eat. Remember they left without food, lodging, money or anything else and they returned after walking from place to place and serving the Lord.
The other extreme is having all the time in the world with no place to live, nothing to wear and nothing to eat. I wonder if Jesus would look at us like spoiled children who have everything they can imagine and yet are not satisfied. Even Jesus himself lived a nomadic dependent life. No job, no home, no bank account or retirement plan, at least here on earth. It is clear from the gospel that Jesus did not want the apostles to go without rest. I'm not suggesting that rest is not necessary, but rather that we escalate our need for rest and comfort far beyond what Jesus would say we need.
We have this modern American notion that life is supposed to be easy. Rest and relaxation are an expectation even if they are not a reality. Even those who work very hard have some time for rest and relaxation if they want to take it. We can't imagine a life that has no leisure even to eat. Remember they left without food, lodging, money or anything else and they returned after walking from place to place and serving the Lord.
The other extreme is having all the time in the world with no place to live, nothing to wear and nothing to eat. I wonder if Jesus would look at us like spoiled children who have everything they can imagine and yet are not satisfied. Even Jesus himself lived a nomadic dependent life. No job, no home, no bank account or retirement plan, at least here on earth. It is clear from the gospel that Jesus did not want the apostles to go without rest. I'm not suggesting that rest is not necessary, but rather that we escalate our need for rest and comfort far beyond what Jesus would say we need.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Trapped, Not Really
Mark 6:25-26 And she came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” And the king was exceedingly sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her.
Feeling trapped is no fun. I'm a person who usually sees a thousand options in every situation, but on rare occasions I have felt trapped. It is like the circumstances have boxed you in, but it most often a product of your own choices. Have you ever heard someone say I swear, as an oath like Herod when you are virtually certain that it is not true, or like Herod where you expect the actions to follow the words. I'm certain none of us would feel trapped like Herod and make his choice, but we act as if we are trapped when we really have a number of choices.
Feeling embarrassed in front of friends and family seems so often to feel like the biggest trap. Why do the people we love the most and should trust the most to overlook our mistakes make us feel the most trapped. God gave us free will. We are never trapped, not really.
Feeling trapped is no fun. I'm a person who usually sees a thousand options in every situation, but on rare occasions I have felt trapped. It is like the circumstances have boxed you in, but it most often a product of your own choices. Have you ever heard someone say I swear, as an oath like Herod when you are virtually certain that it is not true, or like Herod where you expect the actions to follow the words. I'm certain none of us would feel trapped like Herod and make his choice, but we act as if we are trapped when we really have a number of choices.
Feeling embarrassed in front of friends and family seems so often to feel like the biggest trap. Why do the people we love the most and should trust the most to overlook our mistakes make us feel the most trapped. God gave us free will. We are never trapped, not really.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
What's Up With That
Mark 6:8-9 He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics.
Yesterday I was at the grocery store when a man approached me. He was willing to give me tools or even his aluminum ladder for gas to get home to North Carolina. He was not asking for a handout but for a deal. I went with him to the gas station and put enough gas in his truck to get home. I have dealt with all kinds of needy people in my life. People who are looking for money for one thing or another, and often they look arrogant even in their need. It often feels like they think the world owes them something, and perhaps because we collectively have let bad things happen to people as kids or in war or otherwise they could even have a case. This man looked apologetic and broken. You could see that he was a proud man in desperate times. An independent character who was feeling dependent.
I don't know what Jesus wanted his disciples to feel when he sent them out to be dependent on those they met like we read in the sending episodes. I do know it goes against our grain to go anywhere knowing we will be completely dependent on the generosity of others. They couldn't even bring a snack or a buck or two for a soda along the way, nothing but the essentials and without the second tunic a night in the desert cold could be brutal. They were expected to find free lodging as well. I have learned that God will provide through many unique and personal examples, but nothing like the trust the disciples were asked to have. Would we be willing to be dependent like that? To have people look at us the way I looked at that man yesterday. I hope he saw the compassion I felt, the sadness for him, but even if he did I'm not sure we even want such compassion. We are such an independent bunch and I'm afraid it even involves our dependence on our Lord.
Yesterday I was at the grocery store when a man approached me. He was willing to give me tools or even his aluminum ladder for gas to get home to North Carolina. He was not asking for a handout but for a deal. I went with him to the gas station and put enough gas in his truck to get home. I have dealt with all kinds of needy people in my life. People who are looking for money for one thing or another, and often they look arrogant even in their need. It often feels like they think the world owes them something, and perhaps because we collectively have let bad things happen to people as kids or in war or otherwise they could even have a case. This man looked apologetic and broken. You could see that he was a proud man in desperate times. An independent character who was feeling dependent.
I don't know what Jesus wanted his disciples to feel when he sent them out to be dependent on those they met like we read in the sending episodes. I do know it goes against our grain to go anywhere knowing we will be completely dependent on the generosity of others. They couldn't even bring a snack or a buck or two for a soda along the way, nothing but the essentials and without the second tunic a night in the desert cold could be brutal. They were expected to find free lodging as well. I have learned that God will provide through many unique and personal examples, but nothing like the trust the disciples were asked to have. Would we be willing to be dependent like that? To have people look at us the way I looked at that man yesterday. I hope he saw the compassion I felt, the sadness for him, but even if he did I'm not sure we even want such compassion. We are such an independent bunch and I'm afraid it even involves our dependence on our Lord.
Friday, July 22, 2011
They Laughed At Him
Mark 5:35-40 While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler’s house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” But ignoring what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. When they came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, he saw a tumult, and people weeping and wailing loudly. And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why do you make a tumult and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him.
They laughed at Jesus. Can you imagine they laughed at the Lord of the universe. He neither quit because of their laughter or got angry and defensive because of their laughter, rather he simply continued about his business to heal the young girl. On more than one occasion Jesus was the brunt of laughter and derision. The last was while he hung on the cross for us. His response was never to quit or to become defensive. He simply went about his business and let the facts speak for themselves.
I think many of us hate the idea of being laughed at so much that we will hide our faith rather than have someone laugh at us because of it. We stay quiet and allow things to be said about Christianity and the church and Jesus himself rather than risk being laughed at. They may laugh at me but if they don't accept me while knowing my faith, than they don't really accept me at all. They aren't my friends if I need to hide important things about me in order to be acceptable. I'd rather take the laughter and stand on what I believe and then see if they are real friends.
Telling people what God has done for me, telling people about my experiences is important, but also telling people about what God will do is equally important. People have laughed at my trust in what God will do, but I continue to trust in His perfect will for me no matter what. I don't get all my requests met like a magic wish list, but I do know that Jesus will grant those things that are consistent with his nature in always working for my good and that of others at the same time.
Trust Him even if others think it is laughable, you will find Him trustworthy.
They laughed at Jesus. Can you imagine they laughed at the Lord of the universe. He neither quit because of their laughter or got angry and defensive because of their laughter, rather he simply continued about his business to heal the young girl. On more than one occasion Jesus was the brunt of laughter and derision. The last was while he hung on the cross for us. His response was never to quit or to become defensive. He simply went about his business and let the facts speak for themselves.
I think many of us hate the idea of being laughed at so much that we will hide our faith rather than have someone laugh at us because of it. We stay quiet and allow things to be said about Christianity and the church and Jesus himself rather than risk being laughed at. They may laugh at me but if they don't accept me while knowing my faith, than they don't really accept me at all. They aren't my friends if I need to hide important things about me in order to be acceptable. I'd rather take the laughter and stand on what I believe and then see if they are real friends.
Telling people what God has done for me, telling people about my experiences is important, but also telling people about what God will do is equally important. People have laughed at my trust in what God will do, but I continue to trust in His perfect will for me no matter what. I don't get all my requests met like a magic wish list, but I do know that Jesus will grant those things that are consistent with his nature in always working for my good and that of others at the same time.
Trust Him even if others think it is laughable, you will find Him trustworthy.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
What Has The Lord Done For You?
Mark 5:18-10 As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. But he refused, and said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him; and all men marveled.
I was recently having another of those conversations about Christianity or for that matter any religion not being rational. I'm intelligent to a point and I have to admit that I find it difficult some times when people who know me well make me feel like they think I'm stupid. I want to scream, "Do you think this person you love has spent his lifetime deceiving people?" "What kind of man do you think I am?" I resist but it is a temptation, and I know it would not have helped me when I was Christ resistant.
Jesus did not tell the man he healed to go and convince people I am real and that theologically speaking I must live and do these things for the benefit of the whole world. No he did not ask the man to make a rational argument. He said, "Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has mercy on you." You see he was just told to share his life experience of Jesus. Notice Jesus in the sentence calls himself Lord.
All Jesus wants from us is the same thing as this man who marveled the Decapolis. Tell them what the Lord has done for you and how he has mercy on you. Not too hard if you think about it.
I was recently having another of those conversations about Christianity or for that matter any religion not being rational. I'm intelligent to a point and I have to admit that I find it difficult some times when people who know me well make me feel like they think I'm stupid. I want to scream, "Do you think this person you love has spent his lifetime deceiving people?" "What kind of man do you think I am?" I resist but it is a temptation, and I know it would not have helped me when I was Christ resistant.
Jesus did not tell the man he healed to go and convince people I am real and that theologically speaking I must live and do these things for the benefit of the whole world. No he did not ask the man to make a rational argument. He said, "Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has mercy on you." You see he was just told to share his life experience of Jesus. Notice Jesus in the sentence calls himself Lord.
All Jesus wants from us is the same thing as this man who marveled the Decapolis. Tell them what the Lord has done for you and how he has mercy on you. Not too hard if you think about it.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
A Stormy Life
Mark 4: 37- 40 And a great storm of wind arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care if we perish?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?”
Lack of faith seems like an impossibility to me if I was in a boat with Jesus. How could these disciples possibly have any fear what so ever with the Lord of Lords reclining in the boat. The evidence of His power was all around them as they moved through towns and villages watching people be healed and the dead being raised. They were there when the multitudes were fed, and they heard the words of the greatest teacher of all time. How could they lack faith? What chance do I have if they lacked faith?
I've faced many a stormy sea in my boat. I don't mean a literal boat of course although I have faced stormy seas in some of those too. The figurative boat is my life and the sea is my surroundings. Many storms have come up through the years, some of my own making and others through those around me. At times I felt like sinking was close at hand and unavoidable and fear was often a reality. I can understand those disciples because I have been there done that. You see I didn't realize for many years who was in the boat with me. I thought I was alone and without resources.
Those disciples at least had a little excuse. They had not yet witnessed the resurrection. They saw his power yes but had not seen his victory over death. At this point they had not been filled with the Holy Spirit. The gift of Pentecost that fills each member of the church to this day was not yet available to them. They had more limits on their understanding of Jesus than we can claim. If we lack faith it is because we don't believe or don't accept the fullness of who is with us in the boat.
As I have come to know Jesus more and trust Him more I recognize that He is in the boat with me and nothing bad can happen. Oh I could die, but death has no dominion over me a child of God. I could get sick, but although my body might fail for awhile my soul remains healthy in His hands. I might lack money or comfort and suffer hardship but this too is only temporary and is God's way of seeing how well others understand what he requires of them in relation to those in need. he will carry me in poverty even though I should never be poor.
Jesus is always there to rise in me and say again and again, "Peace! Be still!" I am no longer subject to the storms because Jesus is in the boat. Praise be to Him!!
Lack of faith seems like an impossibility to me if I was in a boat with Jesus. How could these disciples possibly have any fear what so ever with the Lord of Lords reclining in the boat. The evidence of His power was all around them as they moved through towns and villages watching people be healed and the dead being raised. They were there when the multitudes were fed, and they heard the words of the greatest teacher of all time. How could they lack faith? What chance do I have if they lacked faith?
I've faced many a stormy sea in my boat. I don't mean a literal boat of course although I have faced stormy seas in some of those too. The figurative boat is my life and the sea is my surroundings. Many storms have come up through the years, some of my own making and others through those around me. At times I felt like sinking was close at hand and unavoidable and fear was often a reality. I can understand those disciples because I have been there done that. You see I didn't realize for many years who was in the boat with me. I thought I was alone and without resources.
Those disciples at least had a little excuse. They had not yet witnessed the resurrection. They saw his power yes but had not seen his victory over death. At this point they had not been filled with the Holy Spirit. The gift of Pentecost that fills each member of the church to this day was not yet available to them. They had more limits on their understanding of Jesus than we can claim. If we lack faith it is because we don't believe or don't accept the fullness of who is with us in the boat.
As I have come to know Jesus more and trust Him more I recognize that He is in the boat with me and nothing bad can happen. Oh I could die, but death has no dominion over me a child of God. I could get sick, but although my body might fail for awhile my soul remains healthy in His hands. I might lack money or comfort and suffer hardship but this too is only temporary and is God's way of seeing how well others understand what he requires of them in relation to those in need. he will carry me in poverty even though I should never be poor.
Jesus is always there to rise in me and say again and again, "Peace! Be still!" I am no longer subject to the storms because Jesus is in the boat. Praise be to Him!!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Moving On
I knew this time in July was going to be like a whirlwind. So much to be done and so little time to do it for my son and Jessica and seven animals to be ready to go to Alaska. I think Forrest and i are ready for our trip to South Carolina but more needs to happen for the Alaska crew. I think it is a law or something that says if you are going on a big vacation or moving, the time will be filled with emotional turmoil. Marsha and I hated packing for anything. Partly it had to do with the fact that we were so different in how we approached things. We drove each other nuts so often in the process. We did learn over time to support one another's way of doing things even if we didn't like it for ourselves. We were very happy for our final downsize and move to Myrtle beach. We knew we would not be doing that again. We still thought we might be doing some vacation planning and vacation packing but even that became a mute issue. I thought a move from Massachusetts to South Carolina was tough with just moving stuff. They have to cross the country and then another country with all their stuff and two dogs and seven cats. Pray for all of us from now until the 10th of August, that is when Jess starts school in Alaska. All must work by then.
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