So I Was Thinking

Friday, July 4, 2008

Fourth of July

"And we've become really good friends. . .

And if anyone, anyone, tries to hurt one of my new friends,

I would take them out.

I would make them suffer so much that they'd

wish they were never born.

And if they ran, I would hunt them down. Thank you, Kathy."

--Gracie Hart, "Miss Congeniality"

These may be the words of Miss Gracie Lou Freebush, but they capture my feelings for the church in Seoul. On our last day in Korea I bought a book about the DMZ and the Korean War. I learned that more than the north attacking the south, the north attacked Seoul. Communism went to great lengths to capture the city that is now dear to me. But Seoul does not operate under communism. . . because the south was supported by another military--ours. I'm grateful the US took a stand. The people we met there don't see us as the country that gets in other people's business or the country that picks fights. Instead, they have a respect for America. I hope Korea is able to one day reunify under democracy. But if Seoul were ever in danger, I hope America would again take a stand. I know eleven people who will.

"I really do want world peace. . ." and sometimes you have to fight for it.

Happy birthday America!

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Sunday Morning

"Jesus paid it all

All to Him owe

Sin had left a crimson stain

He washed it white as snow."

A man from my church is in the hospital. Sunday morning Todd led a time of prayer for him. As most of our church prayed together at the alter it sounded like one long sniffle as together we cried and prayed for this incredible man. I don't know Gene very well, but his daughters and granddaughters are very special to me. As we prayed I thought a lot about his family. We went back to our seats and Kevin led us in "Jesus Paid it All." I started thinking about how much Gene reminds me of my dad. They are both stroke survivors and they face some of the same challenges. And then we got to verse four. . .

"And when before the throne

I stand in Him complete

'Jesus died my soul to save'

My lips shall still repeat."

. . .and it hit me. One day all their struggles and fears will be over. Things that are hard for them now won't be an issue because they will be absolutely complete. I'd like to keep them both around for a long time, but I know that one day heaven will have something extra special in store for them both.