Sin sucks....

…. the life out of you.

I hadn’t gotten it before and I am not claiming that I have it now.  But Karen & I were talking today and just trying to wrap our minds around sin, sorta.  Here’s what we got, or at least the idea/analogy I got from it all:

You are an athlete of sorts and one day you are out and about having fun.. doing crazy things and you get hurt.  We’ll say you sprained your ankle.  The reality of it is this: you are NOT running around on it the next day.  No sir-ee!!  You are icing, resting, resting, icing.  That thing is hurting!!  You may try to walk, or run, or limp.  But no way man.  You’re out!!

At least for a time.  Until you get better.  Until it is healed.

Well, in some odd way I feel that sin is just like that.  When you sin you are down for the count.  You are out of the game.  At least for a time.  I mean, you may try to carry on like nothing happened, but it did.  And you know it.  And somehow the Christians around you may know it too.

Cause I mean let’s be honest; if your teammate sprains their ankle and attempts to play on it.  They are NOT at 100% and you can tell.  Sure that’s cool of them for trying, but over time it is not going to work out.

They have got to get off the field and get better.

That is what happens when we sin.  We are out until we can truly reconcile our hearts to God.  We are not as effective as we can be until we have healed.  And unlike the world of sports; that healing process just might be our choice.

There is grace that is greater and Love that runs deep.

Take hope and live!!

Isaiah 6:7
2 Peter 1:5-7

a terrible person

          A breeze carries leaves through the air and the cloud cover confuses the weather into thinking today should be cold. It really isn't that cold, but then again I am wearing a sweater. Sitting on the picnic table I try to rid myself of onion breathe with a crisp apple, I think it might be working. Watching people as they pass, I am at rest.

          A guy on his red bike. Looking closer, I see he is out of breathe, poor fellow! But wait, is that the same guy that nearly ran me over as I walked to my car at school? He zips down the hill and out of sight. Rising from that very spot I spot a dog walker. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Five dogs. She has her ear buds in and is clearly unimpressed with the lush green of the valley below her and the swirl of leaves trying to keep pace with her and her pups.

          She is also completely unaware of the fact that Fido right there has got to go! He tries once and she yanks him along. He slows once more. Tug tug tug. He gives up comfort and takes care of business right there on the trail, tail up, while they walk. She carries on. The jogger coming straight for them is captivated by the view of the valley below, unaware of the trail and the surprises Fido and his walker have left for anyone; for the the jogger.

          For a second I consider calling out, telling Jogger to "look out!!". But instead I take another bite of my apple. The taste of sweet and bitter spice mixing for breathe I can only imagine will make a child flee from me at least twice this afternoon.

From the Archives: This one's been sitting as a draft for a while now & is begging for your thoughts... finally :)

My cat’s name is Penne, you know, like the pasta!? Well her full name is Penelope Love Butt, but we’ll stick with Penne. Anyways!! So Penne.

I was thinking just now. A while back I had been worried about her cause she seemed so restless. Always following me around. Meowing more than usual. Getting antsy when we snuggled, and biting. All the time. Not to mention she was “missing the litter box”, if ya know what I mean!! Just completely out of character.

So I fussed over her. I worried about her. I lost sleep and I lost time because of it.

Then I realized I was losing my mind because of it.

I had let this little pet of mine control me.

Not on purpose; and it wasn’t manipulation.

It was worry.

So after much effort and realizations.. I stopped.

I simply stopped. I stopped worrying about her.

She was here for me.

I began to notice that she was happier.

She was less whinny.

She wanted to play outside.

She made it to the litter box.

It is only now though that I realize that Penne is no more than a reflection of my emotions. If I’m happy, she’s happy. If I’m nervous, so is she. If I lose sleep, the little one is restless. Yes, she still bites; but that’s just her saying “I’m hungry”.

She looks at me for food, water, fun, rest. She meows when I get home, and she stares when I leave. The thing sleeps, or stares at me. I am her everything (aside from moths). If I am well, she is well. So I need to be well.

There is a metaphor in here.. something I can learn about how I interact with God. I’m certain. :)

Kiddos!!

I have absolutely loved being able to spend my time working with the kids at both Fort Washington as well as at Fugman.  Learning to teach the children to handle conflict, hurt feelings, grief, anger, and excitement has been a challenge; but more than that it has been a delight!  I love that as I learn how to teach, they learn how to live.  God I ask that you bless these kids.  Even though I will be spending my time more at Fugman and not at Fort; I think it is for the better.  I ask that you place me well, and that these kids are able to grow into beautiful human beings; just as you made them.  Let me not get in the way of what you are doing in their lives; but instead let me encourage them as they grow.  I am excited to put aside the Mesa job and focus solely on the kids.  I am excited to be consistent with them, seeing them both morning and afternoon on a daily basis.  And I trust you to take care of the kids at Fort with out me!

Zero. Zip. Zilch.

I had no idea.

I had no idea what I had signed up for, simply by getting out of bed this morning.

I had no idea that I would be asked to dance while at work.

I had no idea that in offering my friend a ride home from school; I would be so deeply encouraged as she shared her life with me, that in her vulnerability and honesty I would witness healing. 

I had no idea that I could enjoy class more if I took the time to get to know my professor.

I had no idea that a spur of the moment In-N-Out run with my favorite sister would be so good and so necessary.

I had no idea that a hug could bring so much peace.

I had no idea that I was holding back and that honesty is the most freeing thing.

I had no idea that I would be so blessed with an abundance of free food.

I had no idea, but I am so glad.

So glad.

Thank you.

And that’s why you always stop to help people whose car has failed them!

So I’m driving home from River Park and I see a man pushing a vehicle along the right shoulder of the road.  I think to myself “Oh, I should help!  Uhh wait, he’s almost to the gas station, by the time I pull over to help I won’t even be needed.”  So I kept driving, I pass the first stoplight and I can’t stop thinking about it.  I pass the second stoplight and Jeff’s sermon pops into my mind and I now feel guilty for not stopping to help.  I realize I have nothing to gain by holding this regret all the way home; so I flip a U.  I get back to the spot where I saw said vehicle.  Nothing.  I drive around a nearby parking lot.  Nothing.  I look harder.  AHA!!  Found them!  I drive over, surveying the scene I realize that they are parked in a stall and that the gas station is closed.  Rolling down my window I ask the man, “Hey!  Are you the guy who was pushing his vehicle?!”  He replies with a chuckle and says “yes”.  I ask if I can help and he proceeds to explain that the problem actually can’t be fixed here, but that a tow truck is on its way.  However he makes sure to express his appreciation for my concern.  I brush it off as nothing, and realizing that I’m not gonna be of much help (just as I had predicted) I nod and say, “So, uh so then you guys are good.  Do you need to call anyone?  I mean… should I just go, or….” As I trail off the girl pops in; “Well, actually!  Would you like some free Starbucks food!?”  Caught completely off guard I furrow my brow and reply with, “Well, one can never refuse free food!?”  I get out of my car and walk over.  We make small talk she pulls out four breakfast sandwiches and a lunch wrap.  Giving me the small bundle of food, she looks at me with recognition; although I look familiar, we can’t place it.  After a couple seconds she too thanks me for my concern and as we say goodbye, her phone rings; their friends are on the way to help out.  I smile and thank her, she waves goodbye. 

And that was perty much it!  I didn’t get to help them, but I did get free food out of the deal.  It was an unexpectedly encouraging moment for me, and I got to giggle to myself all the way home.