Who you gonna call? Ghost Busters?

Who do you go to with your problems? A close friend? Your mom? A sister? A neighbor? Do you go to your pastor? To a counselor? To your spouse?

Today someone said something to me that hurt my feelings. I responded in kind. The conversation that had started innocently enough became a heated argument in short time. To quench the anger, I remember (a little too late) what I learned in a Bible Study about not talking when I am angry. So I ended the argument by leaving the conversation, not as nicely as I should have.

Then, I had a decision. What do I do with this anger? I turned to the closest person to me and began to spew all my justification for my anger. This wise and godly person did exactly the thing that anyone should in the situation; this person told me to shut up.

The truth is it wasn't that third party's business what happened between me and the second party. Counsel from my godly adviser was heeded, but I was still boiling over with hurt feelings and I just felt like I had to tell someone. I knew to tell anyone would be gossip and would likely only escalate my already raging emotional state.

Finally, I did what I should have done initially, way back before responding to the hurtful statement. I went to God.

I was reminded that my job as a Christian is to reflect God to the world around me. When people hurled insults on the Son of God, He responded by dieing for them. He literally laid Himself down for them as they killed Him. Knowing this, I should easily humble myself before a flippant comment.

So, I did the last thing I wanted to do in that situation. I swallowed my pride and apologized. Unfortunately, some damage was already done, and my pride wanted to keep rearing its head. But the situation slowly began to turn around. I still have a lot to learn, and I still have a lot of apologizing to do. But I think we are well on our way in the right direction.

So next time you are faced with an unkind word from a friend, or a bad situation at work, who will you turn to? You may eventually need to seek out advice from a godly person, like my adviser who told me to zip it, but first seek out the Counselor that has been sent to you. He has all wisdom and gives it freely to all who ask.

He is a great listener, and always has the right answer. He never lies, even when the truth isn't what we want to hear. He will comfort you, and then, humble you so you can be perfected.

It's a painful process, but the results are glorious.

Happy Birthday Brother Bear!

So, I should have posted this yesterday, but I was too depressed about the fact that I was missing yet another of my nephews birthdays. I am still a little sad about that, but I am choosing to accept that there is a lesson in all of this and that God has allowed this in order to accomplish something good in me.

But let me tell you the story of our little Sky-bear. He was born one Friday afternoon two years ago. I was away at a Women's Retreat with the ladies of Calvary Chapel Surprise. But instead of enjoying my time as a grape in our skits, I was worrying about my beloved Stephani and the baby that she had carried less than 8 months. I was wishing I could be bringing my brother coffee as he paced the waiting room, or reading books to my niece and teaching her to pray for her new brother. Logically, I knew that my presenc

e wouldn't help my nephews lungs develop, or help my sister-in-laws liver function. But somehow, I felt, if I could be there, they would be better. I could help. I could DO something.

That Sunday, as soon as I was back in town, I rushed home, packed an over-night bag and headed to the hospital to take care of the new mom while daddy went to work. I brought her water, and wheeled her down to the nursery. We laughed and tried not to worry about the fragile boy who was more connected than my laptop. I was allowed to change his diaper, allowing me more contact than my sisters or parents had been allowed so far, and in that moment, as his little read legs kicked and his little chest rose and fell with his gasping breaths, my heart melted.

Please save him, Lord, I prayed. I don't think I could live without him.

About two weeks later, Skyler James went home to a new house, two loving parents, and a doting three year old sister. His parents and doctors constantly monitored his breathing and heart rate. Every sneeze caused fear, and every cough brought panic. He had many doctor's visits, and again I prayed. Please keep him, Lord. We need this little boy.

By Thanksgiving, he was a mostly healthy baby boy. He had made it to his due date. He was breathing normally, and his monitors were no longer needed. By Christmas, he was gaining weight, and by the time I said goodbye in August of the next year, he was in the 90th percentile for non-premature babies.

Now, he's two. He's got a huge smile, and a personality to match. Every time I look into his big blue-green eyes, my heart melts all over again. And every time I hear his uproarious laugh, I am reminded of the miracle of his life. And I breathe a different prayer. Thank you, Lord, for this little boy. Thank you, for letting me be part of his life.

I am truly blessed to be part of this miracle. This is for you, Sky. Your Tee loves you.

The Best Roommate I Ever Had

So, my blog used to be fun and inspiring, and weekly. I don't know what happened to that. But let's try and get it back, shall we. First of all, let me say, I love my sister.

I have had great roommates at Bible College and on various trips in my life at different times, but let me say, my sister Leah is my all time favorite. Why? I am not exactly sure. But I have a few reasons why she shouldn't be.

She sometimes locks me out of the room (not on purpose), and then goes to sleep.

I sometimes trip over her stuff.

When upset, she gets quiet, and won't talk about it.

I like to talk about things.

She stays up late most of the time, and wakes up early some of the time.

Our room is tiny.

I have more stuff than her, and therefore feel bad in comparison.

However, she is my sister. We have shared a room for most of our lives. We know each other so well that we rarely can stay upset with each other.

We both love Jesus.

We both love punk rock.

We are the only people who have ever understood the point of the question: Why would you staple dirt to your feet if you are levitating?

We often laugh at stupid things that nobody else understands.

We like to entertain ourselves with Strong Bad Emails.

We have a lifetime of memories and stories.

We have random conversations about languages and scifi.