A Hand Up

See that girl in the picture? That's not me. Confidence on a set of wheels? Nope. Finesse and grace? Nuh uh.

So, what was I doing last Saturday at a rink reminiscent of the one I used to frequent in junior high? It had the disco ball, the lights, a snack bar (code name for the same greasy, sugary junk food we ate in seventh grade), and blaring rock music. As usual, all the "cool" kids (i.e. people who could glide effortlessly around the floor and do tricks) dominated the floor. And as usual, I hung back to watch and admire from afar. One skater in particular amazed me.
He was perfectly at ease and wore a look of sublime satisfaction on his face. Each time he caught my eye, his smile deepened. He beckoned me to skate with him. On wobbly legs, I made my way toward his outstretched arm. The cutest boy on the rink in junior high certainly never noticed me, I thought. But I was glad that it was the case on this day.

Okay, he's more like handsome and actually a man, rather than a boy. And, I'm fortunate to say, my husband. (But that's beside the point!)

With my sweaty palm in his hand, I was soon circling the floor, relishing the breeze from the air conditioning vent. "Slower! A little slower!" I called out. He gave a good natured chuckle, smiling all the way around.

Eventually, I got the hang of it. A little. Enough to skate on my own. It seems I had forgotten more than I remembered.

He let go slowly. I managed to make my way around the circle enough times to be respectable, though I do have a huge bruise on my knee from a fall.

Later, as I rested on the bench, he came to sit beside me. "Last song," he said. "Shall we?"

I grabbed his proffered hand and set out for the floor again. We'd barely begun the first corner when I found myself suddenly on the floor. If not for his gentle concern, I would have probably given up and headed back to the bench. In spite of myself, I laughed and we had our last skate together before packing up and heading home.

I couldn't help but thinking how very much like God he was. (Now, mind you--spouses married for six years are well aware of each others' faults. I do not hold him as a deity. However, this is one of the many examples of the fruits of the spirit he exhibits).

God coaxes us out of our comfort zones (i.e. the padded pew) from time to time. Not because He needs us, but because we need Him. We try new things--new ministries, new relationships--and sometimes we fall. He isn't surprised by that. Even though we smart for some time afterward--like my knee even today, for example--He doesn't think of us as a failure. As my husband was just happy to be skating and that I joined him, so is God when He invites us on a grand adventure. We will fail sometimes, and He will be gentle and kind. The next time we try, we'll be better at it. Which is a good thing, because now that my husband has found such an awesome skating rink he says we're going back soon!

So, don't be afraid to lace up those skates, or dig out that rappelling gear, or whatever. And don't be afraid to try something new for God, either. The possibilities are endless. Homeless ministries, children's choir director, nursing home and infirm visits, submitting articles ... possibilities for grand adventures are limitless!

Press On!

Here's a little quote from Michael Jordan. I needed this today!

I've missed 9,000 shots. I've lost 300 games. 26 times I was trusted with the game-winning shot...and missed. I keep failing, and failing, and failing. And that is why I succeed. ~Michael Jordan

Another One by Casting Crowns!

Go to their site to see the preview. It looks like an awesome CD. I can't wait until it comes out.

More Yom and Paul Wright

This is More Yom, an awesome band that played in concert tonight. It was so cool! Mariah and Katie danced with all their friends in the mosh pit.

If you want to check out some of their music, go to their myspace page.

They're from Newport, have recorded an album and are in the process of doing their second one. This summer they've got a crazy, busy tour schedule.

I don't normally like this sort of music. Call me an 80's girl, I guess. But Aaron (the lead singer) and his wife are some of the first people we became friends with when I moved here six years ago. The drummer and his wife are sweet people too--Mike is Aaron's brother. Chris Johnston is the son and grandson of some other dear, dear friends as well. For some reason, I really like their stuff. Some of it grew on me, some I instantly connected with. It's deep, in your face, and very well executed.

After More Yom played, it was Paul Wright's turn. He's a guy from Eugene, also working hard in the music business. He's played with Toby Mac and Shawn McDonald. Gives a fun concert! He plays this great song named Flip Flops, which I love. Even though Moms aren't allowed into the mosh pit, I couldn't help it. Doug went too, because he's such a good sport. (Oh, yeah--Doug was the MC of the show! That was fun, too.) But the girls expressed their embarrassment and displeasure. "Oh, man! Why not? It's just one song!" :-) Hee hee

You can see Paul Wright's myspace page and listen to his music here.

Happy Birthday, America!

Today we celebrate the birth of our nation, a great democracy founded on the Word of God.

"WHAT??" You say. " Are you SURE, Lynetta?"

I know, I know ... we've all been taught in school that Jefferson, Washington, Adams, and all the other founding fathers were deists, agnostics, and atheists.

But have you ever read some of the original documents? Instead of relying on revisionist historians to impart such important information, I prefer to let these mens' own words speak for themselves. As an example, take a look at George Washington's farewell address. You'll find that four of the twelve warnings are related to the morality and religious beliefs of our nation. (Oh, you didn't read that in school? That's because they yanked it out of the textbooks about fifty years ago.)

John Adams, in his inaugural address said that American institutions should propagate "knowledge, virtue, and religion among all classes of the people, not only for their benign influence on the happiness of life in all its stages and classes, and of society in all its forms, but as the only means of preserving our Constitution from its natural enemies ..." Knowledge, virtue, and religion as the ONLY means of preserving our Constitution? Wow, that's politically incorrect these days, isn't it?

I could give example after example; I've been studying this stuff. But, I won't bore you with a bunch of research. I figure, if you're interested (or determined to prove me wrong) you'll go look it all up yourself. (Don't expect to find this stuff in the public school system, though).

Why should we listen to these old guys, anyway? Aren't their ideas old-fashioned? Outdated?
Consider what they sacrificed for our freedom:

They considered the two most important American holidays Christmas and the Fourth of July--the birth of our Savior and the birth of our nation. I don't think they took either one lightly. When the Declaration of Independence was finally signed (actually not until August), there was no fanfare, no celebration. These brave men were signing their own death warrants. If caught, they would be hanged for treason. Now, I don't know about you, but if I'm laying my life on the line, you can bet I believe what I'm signing with every fiber of my being.

In part, this is what they wanted to tell King George III, what they were willing to die for. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." These were men who knew their Creator and recognized His sovereignty over our nation. The rights we enjoy today are God-given, just as they were in 1776.

So, as we celebrate with much fanfare and gratitude, let us continue to trust God for what's best for our country. Like Thomas Jefferson said in his inaugural speech, "And may that Infinite Power which rules the destinies of the universe lead our councils to what is best, and give them a favorable issue for your peace and prosperity."