From What, Vampires?

I decided to wear my gold cross every day of Holy Week. Not sure why, but I wanted to , and so I did. The other day at work, a lady commented on it: its very unusual. Not the cross itself, which a pretty, small simple cross, but the chain is. Its very very sparkly.

Anyway, back to my story. I explained to my customer why I was wearing it. She asked why I didn't wear it more often. "Because its gold," I explained. "I wear mostly silver jewelry."
"Then why don't you get a silver one?"
I nodded uncommittedly.
"Besides," my customer added, "the cross necklace protects you, don't you think?"

Benefits of Working at a Christian Bookstore

"Holy, holy are you Lord God Almighty! Worthy is the Lamb! You are holy! You are holy!"

Most of the time, the music is background noise. Sometimes my subconscious pays enough attention to it to get it stuck in my head later. Most of the music I do not like, but can tolerate. Some I downright detest. But now and then, a song will resonate with what I have been thinking about, and I will stop right there and have a worship moment. (If there are no customers in the store) I'll dance, sing at the top of my lungs, raise my hands, and generally make a fool of myself for God to the amusement of my co-workers.

I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” ~Psalm 91:2

Bible verses are on everything. As if it can't be Christian without a Bible verse. Maybe we should tattoo them on our babies! Which, incedentially, we have books arguing both for and against Christians getting tattos. I get tired of seeing the same verses all the time, Rise up on wings like eagles, for I know the plans I have for you, and this is the day the Lord has made are the most popular (after that comes the serenity prayer [bleh!!!!!]). But once again, as with the music, God will sometimes bring a verse to my attention that is the very verse I needed at that moment.

In Control

Yesterday, I had a really bad cold. My throat was sore and swollen, so much I had a hard time breathing (with my mouth open). I was very congested, and on top of that, I was so weak, I could hardly move. Today I woke up feeling so much better. Everything is almost gone. I still am a little congested, and my throat is slightest bit swollen. I still have fits of weakness. But I am well enough to go see the fireworks.

Since I am still sick, my family won't let me touch food. They fill my plate at each meal, and between times, I have to ask for food or something to drink, and wait while they get it on their own time. They always give me too much food, especially of the foods I don't like. Or the wrong end of the meat. Or not the right kind of tea. I can't sneak into the kitchen and grab a bite to eat. If I asked, Mom would tell me the next meal is coming soon (though its actually hours away).

I am also germaphobic at times, have (unconfirmed) low blood sugar, inconsistent, stubborn, stubornly opinionated, afraid to make a choice (at times), I have lied, I have cheated on school work, I have no concept of numbers. I am a flawed person loved tremendously and unconditionally.

God's Promises

There are a couple different Bible verses that seem to mark different stages of my life.

Everything works out for the good of those who love Him.
My sophomore year, Matt asked me to befriend Christine. I was not excited about the prospect. At the time, I was trying very hard to be popular, and since Christine wasn't popular, I was afraid it would hurt my chances of becoming popular. But, I knew Matt would be watching to see how I was getting on. I had to make an effort. Christine and l have been best friends ever since.

As a senior, I started as an assistant prayer group for the 6th grade girls. I was reading Paul’s charge that single woman should concern themselves with the work of the Lord, and I was eager to discover practical ways of accomplishing that. Every year, I've moved up with them. This is my third year, and my girls are now in 8th grade. I’ve also started a Sunday afternoon Bible study for them, too. Over the years I have learned so much from them. They are always so eager to pray; and we enjoy keeping each other accountable towards God.

About a year ago, I met my first boyfriend. Though I knew God was telling me no, I agreed to be in a relationship with him. It lasted 2 1/2 weeks. It devastated me. Yet, God's presence became very real to me. I had to rely completely on Him, just to get through each day. I took to heart the promises of the Psalmist:

I believe I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord, be strong, let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord.
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Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Now, I’m not saying that there’s some trick to making God give me anything I want. But throughout my life, I have discovered that when God is my first love, His desires become my desires, and those are the desires He loves to grant.