An Old Friend

I scampered up the little metal steps excitedly and there she was, washing dishes. The sound of the water pump whirring and the clank of the metal sink with the utensils was comfortingly familiar. Directly to my right, the carpeted steps up to the bed. In front of me, the cream and brown striped couch-bed. To my left, the kitchen fit for one person with a table and two cushiony bench seats set for four. Out of the miniature refrigerator/freezer came the ice cream, chocolate sauce and freshly ground walnuts. The perfect treat for "a break". The whole place smelled like their home on Orchard Avenue in Grand Junction. They had brought their home to us, for a visit and most excitedly, a sleep over. 

After our break I knitted with her and followed him around. There were wash cloths to make or sweaters to finish and leveling to do, anchoring to put into place or a truck to turn around... and around... and around. And after all of that and dinner we would fold down the couch-bed and get ready for the sleep over... of course, after we watched "Dallas".

Then my old friend would appear, soft and snugly, smelling of fabric softener mixed with their home. Memories and feelings would flood my mind and my heart and I would feel that peaceful contentedness. Being with family, being warm, being comfortable.

That was so long ago... 

I remember sleep overs as young as 5 years old... and my friend was there with me every time. So when they were no more and new places were found for the things from their home, I took my friend to live with me and until yesterday it was with me in my home... through moves, new life, life lost, life lived and remembered I have had my friend by my side. A comfort really, nothing extravagant or extraordinary... just comfort. 

But my old friend is worn and weary. I have loved all of the comfort out of it and it is beginning to come apart. So I have washed it and folded it and tucked it away in a place of rest and protection so that it doesn't fade away completely. - I have been surprisingly emotional about putting my old friend away. It has wrapped my shoulders in warmth and security in many different things in life, provided comfort in it's silky folds and even comfort to ill babies... because it smelled of fabric softener and home. 

I'm sure I will take it out from time to time... to remember life lived, loved and lost... to think about Grandmother and Grandpa, the home they brought to us, and the memories we shared... remembering and missing... and loving. In silky peace and comfort and warmth.

"...and they will see me there."

Matthew 28 

 1 Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb.

 2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. 3 His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4 The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.

 5 Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. 7 And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”

 8 The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. 9 And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”

Can you imagine being Mary Magdalene or Mary? What an experience, to be the first people who Jesus spoke to after His resurrection! I think I would fall down at His feet too. My heart races as I imagine being there, in the presence of the risen LORD! And what an important message they carried. They went to tell the apostles where Jesus would meet them. It's probably a good thing that the angel and Jesus both told them where to meet because I tend to think in the middle of all of that I might not remember the meeting place, having witnessed Christ moving about as if nothing had happened to him and all...

Jesus said, "... Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there." They were discouraged, grieving people but Jesus was going to be able to show them this time that prophesy had been fulfilled (and hopefully they would finally get it). Everything that he had taught about had come to fruition and that meant that the apostles' mission was just beginning.

Brent spoke at church today about this part of Jesus' story. I'm glad he did. I found meaning in what he said. My walk-away-thought from his lesson today is that we are not done yet. There are a few things that are changing at PUMP, and change can be uncomfortable in many ways. But Brent reminded us today that our mission and our purpose remain the same. In fact, our work is just beginning. ~ I can think of several people who I hope found encouragement in that today as I did. 

Thanks, Brent! 

What a game!

I don't watch or understand most of the things that happen in a football game. I like to spend time with the people I know who like it so I ask questions about why things happen and about the rules, but left to my own devices I would not necessarily choose to watch football. Personally football ranks right under golf for the most boring sports to watch (sorry football fans). Maybe that's why it's so easy for me to nap on the couch while it's on. But the game that just ended between Chicago and Atlanta was pretty amazing. Chicago came back and made a touch down with 11 seconds left in the fourth quarter leaving the game at Chicago 20 / Atlanta 19. Just when you think the game is over, with 11 seconds Atlanta both made a long play that landed them halfway to the goal posts AND with 1 second left made a 48 yard kicking attempt and made it! 

That was pretty darn amazing whether you like football or not. 

Obedience School

I was invited to contribute to a new blog. Check it out.

Say It's So!

I heard on the radio yesterday that Jonny Depp just signed to do a fourth "Pirates". Please say it is true!!

Dwelling in the Word

This morning while reading the scripture PUMP is dwelling in Kevin came up to me and asked what was wrong. I was probably frowning, something that happens when I concentrate, though I was not in a frowny mood. I showed him that I was reading the Bible and he asked why I wasn't saying anything. So I read the scripture to him. 2 Corinthians 4. All of it. And he sat and listened intently. 

Afterwards he asked why God gives us death when He gives us life. I interpreted that to mean that he was asking about verse 10 that says, "We always carry around in our bodies the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies..." So I explained that it means that we always carry in our minds, or remember all the time, that Jesus died for us and that gives us the chance to have the life of Jesus in our mind all the time so that people know that we love him and he loves us. - Kevin understood better at that point. It was neat to watch him make that connection.

It is wonderful to see God working and moving in our family.

In Twitter Fashion

Writing in Twitter fashion. Busy is an understatement. 

Update:

-Made it through August without loosing my mind... mostly.

-Getting back into work outs. Mom suggested counting this as week 20 instead of week 1. Good advice not to ignore work already accomplished.

-Hubby and boys are great, minus the head-wound Kevin got from the corner of the tampon dispenser in the Library bathroom. OUCH buddy!!

-Week 20 Day 1: Water Aerobics w/a chick who has to read notes off of 3x5 cards to direct the class... Thinking about applying to teach the class myself. 

-Spent $100 on new shoes instead of $10.00 to go to the doc + countless $$ for unnecessary P.T. for plantar faceitis. - It's true.

-Celebrating 8 years married to my only love, Tomorrow!

-Excited to see what God has in store for family, friends and PUMP. God is good!

35 minutes to leave time for the evening. Gotta get going. - Love you all!!