Thursday, August 28, 2008

I was reminded today of something that happened to James and I about 2 years ago. We were on our way to the church facility one Sunday morning (I think we were in charge of something. What I remember is that it was really important that we be there on time, if not early). As we were driving, we passed a stranded car along side the road with a young couple looking distraught, standing beside the vehicle. He had tattoos and was smoking a cigarette. Their car was stuck in mud. We were in our Jeep with 4 wheel drive and a hitch. We could have helped. But, we were pushing it time wise to get the meeting. I cried. It was a sad circumstance. We were so busy going to church; we didn’t have time to be the church. Yikes! The popular acronym among Christians: WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) came to mind. I know what the Jesus I know would’ve done. He would have pulled the Jeep over and He and his disciples would get out, hook up the car, pull it out of the mud, say something profound and teach into the situation. That isn’t what James and Michelle did. No. We passed them, I cried, I pushed the responsibility onto Jesus to send someone with more time to help them. We were in a time crunch and besides, we didn’t have a chain. We would’ve been of no use. Interesting how we justify our actions. But I prayed for them!? (Sigh)
I am reminded also of a parable about the lost sheep. About leaving the 99 to go after the 1 lost one and how there is so much rejoicing in heaven over 1 sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. One could get busy tending sheep. I am reminded of another parable about the Good Samaritan. Notice the ones who passed by the certain poor soul: “a certain priest” and “a Levite”. Ouch! Could that be us? It took a Samaritan to show love and compassion to the poor soul in the parable. Samaritans were the least of all humankind back in that day (Perhaps they smoked cigarettes and had tattoos. They obviously didn’t look like righteous Jews) but, these Samaritans are ones Jesus used to teach us a lesson about loving our neighbors. He modeled love, He spoke of love, and He was all about love. In fact, the Bible says, “God is love”.
The lesson for me: Don’t forget to love my neighbor, even when I find myself in a time crunch. Being a follower of Jesus is more than just trying to make it to the church on time. It is more about being the timely church to a lost and hurting world.

Monday, August 25, 2008

WHERE DID THE SUMMER GO?

Hello?

Hello? Is summer over there? Here, it's 67 degrees and partly cloudy on August the 25th. I think I lost summer. I'm not too terribly busy anymore with guests and I'm wanting a chance for some summertime activity. I only went swimming twice (well, I didn't swim, the water was too cold). I haven't had any mixed drinks while lounging on my patio. I haven't read any magazines ( I bought some with good intentions). I've only worn sleeveless shirts for maybe 2 weeks total? My "what-little-tan-I-had" is now fading. It's sad. I knew not to expect a long summer season up here in Oregon. I was told 7 weeks. I just didn't want to believe it. Summer must have tried to tell me it was leaving after that 105 degree weekend, but I thought, it was telling me to come along and play. I cleared my week so as not to be busy. I know that once September gets here, it's time to crack down with school and fall schedules. So, I was getting my summer toys together and *PUFF*......summer left.

People tell me that sometimes, here in Oregon, we'll get an Indian Summer during September. Well, I'm going to take my mixed drink, sleeveless shirt and fading tan self outside and have a pow-wow and perhaps a dance around the fire tonight (they say it should be 48 degrees tonight) for a call out to Summer to come back, or at least send it's Indian cousin.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

O.K., I read the Twilight series. My family survived my addiction. I survived as well. My favorite two books of the series are Twilight and Breaking Dawn. Period.

Other things I survived this summer: 80/85 degree days (a cinch ), my Mother-in-Law visiting (nice), our friends, the Reid's visiting (which was totally fun for me), my parents visiting (which was delightful and comforting), no swimming pool filled days (sad) , camping in Eastern Oregon (hot), a road trip to Bend with my parents (fun), no fajitas or ritas (disappointment).

Now that I'm on the back side of summer, I tried the pool, again. Still too cold! Farewell to the lazy days by the pool. I have 4 more weeks until we start school. Just for the record, this was the fastest summer in my books.

I hope everyone else had a delightful summer (and hopefully it didn't go at lightening speed). Email me and let me know what you did this summer, I would love to read about it!