Our Stories
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Seeking a New Focus by Char Forslund - 07/24/2008
Early this spring we discovered that we had guests in our backyard...cute guests, but uninvited. Rabbits! Two or three adorable little rabbits hopping around in our backyard, usually early in the morning or in the late evening. Our mini-dachshund,...
Between the Commas by Keith Ferrin - 07/10/2008My 10th Grade English teacher was a wonderful, smart, frustrating, difficult, encouraging woman named Anne Franke. (I'm not kidding. That was her real name.) When it came time to write a paper she would frequently say something to the effect of, "If you have to put it between parentheses, commas, or hyphens, it's probably not important enough to stand on its own. So just leave it out." I don't know that I ever really agreed with her, but for my sophomore year of high school I obeyed.
The Foundation of It All by Aaron Soderlund - 07/03/2008I felt it from the first sign that I saw that read, "Cooperstown, 1 Mile". Taking that exit and another 17 miles north off of the highway I continued to feel it a little more with each mile closer. Until I saw another sign that read, "Village of Cooperstown". I had made it.
Sincere Sincerity Sincerely by Stew - 06/26/2008I’m reading a book called “Truth and Truthfulness” by Bernard Williams. The subject is familiar enough. We each know what truth and truthfulness are (although some may confuse them with Steven Colbert’s “truthiness.”) Each day we are bombarded with...
In Joy and in Sorrow by Abigail Short - 06/19/2008There's a great line in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, after Hermione has explained all the conflicted emotions of another character to Harry: their friend Ron says, "One person can't feel all that at once, they'd explode." Hermione retorts with a snarky comment, but I rather sympathize with Ron. What are we supposed to do when our feelings are at such great variance with one another?
When there is no Justice, or so it seems. by Debbie Hancock - 06/12/2008We live in a world gone mad. That's what I'm thinking this week.
I am writing this as a thankful and grateful citizen of the Kingdom of God. (With occasional crying spells and obsessive thoughts about a trial I recently served as a juror.)
Re-tire-meant by Kim Hjelm - 06/05/2008First, I am going to borrow something from someone most of you know and love, Mr. Fred Rogers - he said: For a long time I wondered why I felt like bowing when people showed their appreciation for the work I've been privileged to do.
The Parable of the Wart by Char Forslund - 05/29/2008The Kingdom of God is like a woman who, already stunningly attractive, sought to improve her appearance by having a wart removed from her left hand. On the day of the medical procedure she valiantly braved the "freeze stuff" and burning pain to attain her goal. The doctor instructed, "It will burn and then blister. Leave it completely alone and in a few days it will start to dry up and then after a week or two it will heal and peal off leaving new skin." How exciting she thought. No wart! New skin!
I've Missed the Point by Aaron Soderlund - 05/22/2008So I think that after 29+ years, I've missed the point. That might be a little harsh and extreme, but it's a little true, I think. Bare with me though because I'm just writing thoughts and they certainly haven't all been fine tuned yet.
One At A Time by Abigail Short - 05/15/2008One foot in front of the other. One day at a time. How does the journey of a thousand miles begin? With a single step. It's a familiar concept, and we know it works, but some days it feels a lot more like plodding along than progressing on a journey.
When my mom and dad told me we were going to Tent City to serve dinner, I thought I was going to be bored to death. I guess I didn't really know that I would actually have to work. That morning at Perrigo Park, I sort of just goofed off. Once I got to Tent City, it looked like a bunch of tarps put into a parking lot. Once you got in you could tell that people actually lived there. It was kind of sad to see all these people living in tents. At the same time, it was nice that they had a home even though they wouldn't normally.
I have found the last 13 years that my life has been a mission to help others in our community through my son. Kyle was a premature baby who wasn’t supposed to live or have a normal life. He has fought all of the odds and through this my faith has been stronger than before. Kyle has always loved people and reaching out to them to let them know what he believes and ways to make them feel important. This gift of his continues on which I find amazing. For a more reserved person like me, it is a privilege to be his mother and help him embrace these qualities.
Hope Bringers by Keith Ferrin - 04/24/2008"I lost hope a long time ago."
I can't get his words out of my head. Ninety minutes ago I was sitting across the table from Daniel and that's what he said to me. Part of me wanted to cry. Part of me didn't know what to say. Part of me wanted to say, "What are you talking about? You're 14 years old. You don't even have a 'long time ago.'"
Change of Heart...for service by Dillon Brunson - 04/17/2008On Saturday, April 5, I crawled out of bed at 4:30 AM to get to SeaTac and catch the plane that would take me and 26 other Bellevue Christian High School students, (and ten adults), to Mendenhall, Mississippi for a week long mission trip. We stayed at a volunteer center in Mendenhall and were scheduled to work at the Genesis One Christian School, the farm that supports it, and in the Mendenhall community. All are connected to the John Perkins Foundation located in Jackson.
Glimpses by Debbie Hancock - 04/10/2008For the past few months I have been wrestling with God about church and all that it represents for me. I have been reading books and attending conferences that have been shaking everything up.
Opening Day by Aaron Soderlund - 04/03/2008Monday 3/31/08:
8:00am - 1:00pm: Take care of Nathan and let Beth rest with 1-week-old Josh. Take Nathan on 'field trip' to the grocery store for hot dogs and buns. Entertain the 2-year-old.
I'm sitting here huddled against the armrest on my side of the couch, seething and pondering my next move. The light of my eyes is sitting at the other end of the couch, feigning petulance. He never actually gets angry, but he's also refusing to let me get away with picking a fight. Well, he started it.
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made by Keith Ferrin - 03/20/2008I have never been more aware of the truth of these words than I was last week. I was in Kansas City for some speaking engagements and was able to spend time with some good friends while I was there. One of them was my dear friend - and chairman of TYMK Ministries - Scott Rhodes. Friday was one of those incredibly rare days with no agenda. I was in between events, Scott took the day off, and we just hung out.
For the past six months, I read about ten pages each day of a 1,939 page NIV Bible. This was a surprising piece of discipline on my part, and I commend myself highly. Thank you. But I hope you don't think I now know a whole lot about the Bible. At my age, I forget what I read at almost the same rate that I read what I read. In fact, even while reading with some understanding, it's easy for me to think of my reading as like flying around the world, visiting all the airports, and then coming home. I feel like I've just scratched the surface of what the Bible represents and what it has to tell me. By comparing my reading to what happens when I'm in a Bible study or when I read a study Bible, it's not hard to notice how much I miss. On the other hand, actually experiencing the full trip has a lot to be said for it. I'll say some of that here.
The Kingdom of God, Doodling and Deep Shift by Debbie Hancock - 03/06/2008Last week I was laid out with a sore throat, itchy eyes, runny nose, cough, fever, and achy all over feeling. On top of that, several times a day I would pass the mirror in the hall and scare myself. Let me just say I made some crazy looking hairdos. I rarely remembered that I am the daughter of the King, the apple of His eye. In fact there wasn't much Kingdom thinking at all the first couple of days. Drawing and doodling helped me through the times when I couldn't think past my funk. It's a way to connect with God in prayer without ever having to speak. I first found the practice in a book called "Praying in Color: Drawing a New Path to God" by Sybil MacBeth. I have been practicing it for a few months now.
The God Box by Char Forslund - 02/28/2008"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and you minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:4-7)
I committed to God many years ago to take that scripture seriously, and I do. But I am even better at taking my prayers and petitions back - to worry and be anxious about. Somehow, I don't think that is the intended response.
Raw, Real, and Reconciled by Aaron Soderlund - 02/21/2008Earlier this week, Nathan was running around the house naked, laughing, smiling, and doing his best to stay away from the grasp of his parents. For some reason, he never seems to be happier than when he's completely naked. I however, am constantly concerned that he's going to 'stain' the carpet if we don't get him covered up quickly enough. But I said to Beth, "God must have created us to be naked."
The Life You've Always Wanted by Abigail Short - 02/14/2008Have you heard about the latest best-selling book and video phenomenon? It's called The Secret, by Rhonda Byrne, and it claims to tell you how you can get anything and everything you want in life. It sounds like a preposterous claim, but people are eating it up. What's the secret of The Secret? "The Law of Attraction," or the idea that "thoughts are the primary cause of everything" (p. 33). In other words, everything in your life is a result of your thought patterns, so that what you spend your time thinking about will be attracted to you.
Ask Not What Miracle Your God Can Do For You by Stew - 02/07/2008In most instances, it is a mistake to mix politics and religion. Beliefs and opinions can be so strong and conflicting that not much good is done by upsetting the hornet's nest. Nevertheless, fool that I am, today I got to thinking back 47 years ago to January 20, 1961, when JFK in his inaugural speech made his famous call to action of every American:
Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.lent: v. past participle of lend by Mac Taylor - 01/31/2008
I was never in the habit of observing Lent until I came to Creekside. Although occasionally I lent my car or my tools or my kids, I never lent my soul to God for the 40 days preceding Easter. I arrogantly figured God would prefer full ownership over a 365 day period with automatic renewals. Over the last few decades, it is becoming increasingly popular for Protestants to connect with older traditions. I have been reminded that some of the ancient practices of the church provide nourishment for the soul, such as meditation, lectio divina, fasting, repeated prayers ... and the observance of Lent.
Sing Hosanna by Beth Soderlund - 01/24/2008Koti Hu's testimony of God's glory before his July, 2007 accident is incredible. Then God gave him a new story. As Koti describes it, God wrapped His hands around his head, protecting his brain, before allowing him to be hit from behind by a truck going 60 mph. Koti is now paralyzed, in chronic pain, and still witnesses his unwavering trust in Christ.
Caleb and the Snowman by Keith Ferrin - 01/17/2008The snow was about two feet deep. The temperature had been just warm enough for the snow to pack really nicely. Some of the kids and adults were sledding. Some were working on an igloo about fifty feet away. Some were making slushies out of fresh snow and soda pop. But Sarah, Caleb, and I were focused on the all-important winter task of building a snowman taller than any of us.
Old Years' Reminder by Aaron Soderlund - 01/10/2008It would be awfully cliché of me to write something about new beginnings, or resolutions just because the new year started last week, wouldn't it? That's what I thought, at least. So let me tell you about the old things that God is teaching me... again.
A Resolution Worth Making by Abigail Short - 01/03/2008New Year's Resolutions - the determination to give up old behaviors or make some other positive change - have turned into something of a joke in our culture. We decide to exercise more, eat healthier, finish that project, start that project, or even just enjoy life more. Then that cheesecake calls our name, the kids get sick, and life interferes with our plans.
It's Incomprehensible! by Char Forslund - 12/20/2007
"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in strips of cloth and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:6-7)
Incomprehensible: a very big word to describe how the supernatural fact of the Incarnation of God perplexed me and challenged me mentally, spiritually, and theologically for some time.
Incarnation: the fact that God subjected Himself, His power, glory, honor, wisdom and control to be born of a human mother and enter the totally human body of a baby boy.
"You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness." (Psalm 30:11)
It seems so long ago when I came to Creekside. That shy and unsure young woman that I was. A friend invited me to come, and I said okay.
When I first decided to come to Creekside I didn't talk much. I came broken and bruised. There had been abuse, and a brother who died too young of drugs. There was alcoholism and just a hurting heart.
The more I came to Creekside, the more I saw Jesus working in my life. Mac taught the Alpha course and I went a few times. One year I went to the Holy Spirit weekend. As this group of people prayed for me, someone read a passage from Isaiah 61.
"To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified." (Isaiah 61:3)
"Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace! Celebrate your festivals, O Judah, and fulfill your vows. No more will the wicked invade you; they will be completely destroyed." (Nahum 1:15)
As you can probably imagine, there has been much celebration in my house for the past week and a half. For the third time in four years, the Cougars won the Apple Cup! And for me, that is cause for A LOT of celebration.
But what are the other things that cause you to celebrate? I mean, really celebrate. I don't just mean order a cake, have people over, and call it a celebration. I'm talking jumping for joy, stand in awe, you can't sit still, lose your focus on anything else, heart leaps, pure celebration.
"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." (1 Peter 4:10 NIV)
Consider this: no matter how much effort he put in, the extremely talented, hard-working Michael Jordan couldn't become the "Michael Jordan" of baseball. His talents just weren't as well-suited for the baseball diamond as for the basketball court. Using that example, Tom Rath reports (in the book StrengthsFinder 2.0) how research has shown that people can accomplish more by developing the areas they're already good at than by trying to make their weaker traits stronger. He gives general categorizations of the strengths that each person already has, even if they haven't learned to name them yet.
After I determined my top five strengths, I was surprised by how much I learned about myself. Not only can I now describe why I like meeting new people (Woo), making people feel welcome (Includer), and being cheerful (Positivity), I can start recognizing that what I thought was "just my personality" is a valuable combination of assets available only in me.
"When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting." (Acts 2:1-2)
As I sit at my desk, the next door office wall is being used as a backboard by the workers getting a new office space ready... or maybe they are just hanging pictures on the wall. It's a noise that interrupts my audio space, but that I cannot quite identify. Upstairs, footsteps are a constant reminder of other tenants. We have taken on the challenge. Creekside is definitely winning the Inter-Office Noise Contest with Rob's Thursday evening worship rehearsals. No complaints ... yet. In our new offices, most of the people are the same (except for Reverb Rob), but the noises are new.
"Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." (John 7:38)
Have you ever noticed how much water and breath and wind and fire you find in the Bible? It's sometimes hard to keep track of whether to think of the Holy Spirit as "living water" or as "tongues of fire" or simply as something that is "God-breathed." Other people who've had to understand the physical world, have run into similar problems.
"Is this a gas or a liquid or a flame? I dunno. Let's call it a fluid!"
"Be prepared. You are up against more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you will still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out." (Ephesians 6:13-18, The Message)
I have been really busy lately, busy trying to measure up. It is exhausting and discouraging. I have been trying to fit into someone else's armor and it is uncomfortable. I can't move in armor that doesn't fit. And I have found that the armor I have been trying to make work for me is way more elaborate than it needs to be. The Armor God has fashioned for me is all I need to stand against the biggest giant I will ever face.
The simplicity of it is what I think fools me. The Message says in Ephesians 6 that truth, righteousness, peace, faith and salvation are more than words. I need to apply them. Without them I will perish. God's armor along with His Word and prayer are essential for survival in battle.
"I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:9-10)
I read a new description of what 'abundant life' means tonight. In Reggie McNeal's book The Present Future, he says "When the kingdom fully comes, people will finally realize their full potential as beings created in the image of God. Jesus hinted at this when he spoke about abundant life. To live abundantly is to borrow the future into the present."
Wow! Borrow the future into the present? What is the future? Jesus comes back in the future. The Kingdom fully comes in the future. We realize our full potential in the future.
Just imagine...
"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25)
Standing on the street corner with a co-worker I didn't really expect the topic of church attendance to come up. We had been discussing homes and the various joys and challenges of home ownership. But then she brought up the fact that she and her husband "simply just want to get out of the house every Sunday morning to go hiking." In a quick moment, she caught herself saying something that she thought might offend me.
Most everyone I work with knows that I used to be a youth pastor and as such, I get the usual set of "oh yeah, I go to church" and "Sure, I'm a Christian, too" comments. But what this particular person said to cover the fact that she doesn't, in fact, go to church, made me think a bit more deeply about myself. After her comment about going hiking every Sunday morning, she paused, then added, "Because I think being in the out of doors is itself a religious experience."
"And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again." (2 Corinthians 5:15)
It's amazing to think about the cycle of life. Beth and I went to see Keaton and Reid Watson last week and I was again amazed at the brilliance of life. Also visiting at the time were some other friends who are two months away from having their first child. In their eyes I could see the excitement of what they will soon experience. With me, were Beth and Nathan. Beth, if you didn't know, is pregnant and due in the first week of April.
I watched these newborn babies cry as they were undressed, weighed, and re-dressed and swaddled. Nathan, in the meantime, was running around the room pushing all of the buttons he could find. It was a little shocking to me considering it doesn't seem long ago that Nathan was the one crying as we put him on the scale.
"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:35 NIV)
Last week, the Lambie-Pies said a joyful, tearful (and delicious) farewell to two dear members. It was an evening full of memories and shared fondness that- Wait, what did you ask? What are Lambie-Pies? Well, let me tell you a story.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)
I am not a neat freak, but clutter and dirt make me cranky. This became apparent to me a few weeks ago when we had our bathroom remodeled due to a water leak. It was one of those "projects" that we thought would take a few days and ended up taking a few weeks. At one point during the remodel, our one working shower was unavailable for use for 5 days. Before you feel too sorry for me or my family, you should know that I have three boys - ages, 10, 7 and 4 living in my house. Not having a working shower is not an inconvenience to them. In fact, for them, it's a bonus week with no parent bugging them to wash behind their ears or reminding them use both soap AND shampoo.
"Usually no one will hurt you for wanting to do good. But even if they should, you are to be envied, for God will reward you for it. Quietly trust yourself to Christ your Lord and if anybody asks why you believe as you do, be ready to tell him and do it in a gentle and respectful way." (I Peter 3: 13-15, The Living Bible)
Cruising into the grocery store that day, I had one thing on my mind-go there-get that-move, move--more errands await-just keep moving...be home before the grandkids.
She appeared first in the produce. My peripheral vision recorded and acknowledged her-one among many and of no account to me personally. As I carted up and down the aisles adding cereal, pasta, spaghetti sauce and "ad infinatum" on the weekly list-she was there too. It seemed that everywhere I rushed in my hurry scurry to get the shopping done-to move the stuff from the shelves to my cart and progress, she appeared. Again and again I became aware-of her, there. As I imperceptibly slowed, unaware of my own actions, she slowed also.
"...the kingdom of God is in your midst." (Luke 17:21)
Once upon a time, a King decided to share his Kingdom with his subjects. So he signed an agreement, written with his own blood that said that all the members of his Kingdom were free to fully enjoy the benefits of the Kingdom. In the agreement, the King offered a better than lifetime, satisfaction guaranteed, rust-free, fire proof, never ending inheritance. He said they could begin to enjoy the inheritance immediately, although the full installment would only come when time as we know it comes to a close. To qualify for this inheritance, the Kingdom treasure, the subjects only needed to admit to the King that they had failed in their own strength to be worthy of the Kingdom and swear an oath of loyalty to the King. The King promised he would send a special Power upon them to be bearers of Kingdom news ... for the King was no ordinary King, you see. He possessed a mysterious miraculous Power, which he generously shared with those who were employed in Kingdom business. It was the kind of Power that made the subjects feel as if the King was always right beside them, or even within them. This quite excited the people of the Kingdom, who got to work doing the business of the King. They occupied themselves telling others about the Kingdom, praying for the sick and even doing battle with the enemies of the King. The subjects seemed to be so full of the King that they became known as the "King's Ones".
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:30-32)
I'm the sort of person who has no difficulty in questioning just about anything and everything. I do it relatively politely and benignly, but the questions are always there. I don't think you really get to truth unless you ask questions. The result of a questioning nature in an individual can be one of three things: 1) tons of doubt, 2) an ongoing question and answer dialog, or even 3) enough Q&A that you feel that you've come to some sort of truth and no longer need to ask questions. Some might call this Faith, many do not.
Religion - and Christianity in particular - are interesting animals when it comes to this sort of questioning view of the world, because Christianity is about fundamentals. It's about the foundations of your beliefs and what you take for granted and assumed, without questioning. It took me several decades to get to the point that religion was anything more than a subject that wasn't worthy of my time. I approached it as mainly a logical exercise: 1) Let me hear all the proofs of the existence of God. 2) Am I convinced? No? 3) Did God strike me dead? No? 4) Next subject.
"This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24)
Right now, I'm sitting in my little shared office on the bottom floor of the Windermere office in Bellevue. It's the middle of the day and no other agents on my floor are here. It's me, the sound of my computer humming, and my thoughts. I tell you this to point out that I should have been writing this a long time ago. (Although perhaps not while I could be better off working.) There are a lot of things that I should have done a long time ago, but I've put them off and put them off.
For the past few weeks, I've been in one of those phases where I just feel overwhelmed. Between work, home, life, and other commitments, it seems as if I'm being pulled in every direction every day and I'm stretching myself too thin. Emails have gone unnoticed and responded to. Personal things have gone unattended to. All because I managed to feel overwhelmed. And you know, honestly, it was very subtle. I don't even really think I noticed until this week that I'd been doing it. Satan's sneaky that way.
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." (Ephesians 4:2 NIV)
Lately I've been spending most of my free time (and much of the rest of it) with a particular gentleman of my acquaintance. As always at the beginning of a romance, getting to know him has been a joy and an adventure. It's impressive how quickly it happens when you're so intentional about the process (we joke that we're the best time-wasters we know). I could never learn all there is to know about him, but the more I discover, the more I like him and the more about him I want to know.
Once in a while, I stop and contemplate God's amazing creativity. Trying to wrap my mind around the whole of another person, all his history and experiences, all his wishes and fears, all his charms and quirks, is nearly overwhelming. I wonder how anyone could know all that, or even a fraction of all that, about him and not grow to love him.
"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." (Colossians 3:2)
I woke up laughing this morning. I love waking up like that. The joy of the Lord
was bubbling over. My cheeks are still sore from laughing.
The last time I woke up laughing was when my husband made a "noise" so loud the clapper turned the lights on in our bedroom. But that wasn't the Lord; that was just funny.
God gave me a really cool message in my sleep last night. I have been seeking a deeper understanding of how God speaks to me. He told me: "I want you to set apart (sanctify) your imagination as this is what I use for your faith to engage with the invisible realm of the spirit."
He reminded me that I allow things to come before my eyes that fill my imagination with skewed pictures and perceptions. TV, magazines, and movies fill my mind up with things that are not of Him. I admit I do watch TV. And I like to watch movies and read magazines. There is so much "stuff" in those things today ... sex, violence and fantasy. I didn't realize how much it affects my ability to hear from the Lord or enter into His presence to Worship.
How to Spot and Stop and Them by Mark Lanum - 08/16/2007
"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus." (Romans 15:5)
If you've attended church (Creekside or other) for any period of time, you've undoubtedly noticed some of the rather unsavory afflictions that the church-going type pick up over time. Like me, you may have even picked up a few of these yourself. In an effort to promote healthy church participation, I would like to highlight three common "afflictions" that plague those who have attended church a sufficient number of times to acquire them. Here's how to both spot and stop them (especially if you find you find yourself afflicted).
Row Rage
How to Spot It: People who incite Row Rage are those who enter a row of seats in the worship area only to sit in the first seat, thereby "blocking" the rest of the row for others. Since no one likes to shimmy their backsides (or frontsides for that matter) in front another person's face, the chairs in the middle of the row are now essentially unavailable without a trip around the whole section of chairs to the other end of the row. Put two of these folks together - one at each end of the row - and you can create a virtual empty row; and a bunch of fellow church goers who should be worshipping God, but instead are suffering from Row Rage.
How to Stop It: Duh! Move in to the middle seat so someone can sit by you.
"With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith." (II Thessalonians 1:11)
I think God's trying to tell me something. No, I didn't receive an amazing vision of things to come. Nor did I discover some deep, Biblical truth I'd never seen before. This is more like a tap-on-the-shoulder-are-you-paying-attention sort of thing. And it all centers on the topic of prayer.
In the last three days, I can hardly count the number of prayer requests that have come my way. Not only did the regular, Tuesday morning prayer requests come in from our weekend worship service, but several more emails kept on coming with additional requests. At the end of a meeting yesterday, the guy I had just met with said, "By the way, if you could pray for..." Then last night, Kari and I got a phone call from someone across the country who wanted us to pray with her son and her over the phone.
"God said, "What's this? How is it that you can change your feelings from pleasure to anger overnight about a mere shade tree that you did nothing to get? You neither planted nor watered it. It grew up one night and died the next night. So, why can't I likewise change what I feel about Nineveh from anger to pleasure, this big city of more than 120,000 childlike people who don't yet know right from wrong, to say nothing of all the innocent animals?"" (Jonah 4:10-11, The Message)
The other morning, it was a Sunday morning to be specific, I was heading out the door to come to church and a loved one reminded me (for the fifth time) to "water the flowers and take the garbage bins to the curb". Mom and Jeff were heading to the lake for the long holiday weekend and I would be left home alone. My response was a terse "I got it". At that point the conversation cascaded into a transaction of words that were hurtful and offensive. It made me want to run away. I really don't know where I would go but it is in those times I ask God to help me keep my eyes on Him. I ask Him to remind me of the forgiveness He has made real in my life and to help me forgive again.
There are times, I am sorry to say, that I don't want to spend eternity with this person. I ask for forgiveness for that. I ask for healing in my relationships. I ask God to help me love because sometimes I just don't want to.
