Blogger Small Group

This week's reading was James 3. Kyle - why did you have to pick the book of James? It's like a slap in the face.

I DID actually read the scripture this week, before today. Thank you very much.

For some reason, little bits & pieces stand out for me when I read scripture. Here's what stood out to me this week.

"When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are drive by strongs winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherevere the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."

I totally get the comparison of horses & boats to the tongue, although I've been(in the past) unable (maybe unwilling) to control it or have it controlled. My loud, abnoxious mouth has gotten me into more trouble than I can truly tell you about. No seriously, I can't tell you. You'd be considered an accessory.

Let me give you some background. I didn't attend church during the 15-25 stage. I partied. A lot. I got into some serious trouble...no, not legal trouble. But, I did get myself into some real trouble in our small town. I was doing some things I shouldn't, then lying about it to ...well...everyone. My parents had no idea what I was doing. My friends (who SHOULDN'T have trusted me) were getting hurt left & right. I KNEW it was hurting them, but couldn't stop. My mouth had gotten me in some trouble, I thought no one could repair.

My friend Kristi (a new friend, already lost all the old ones), invited me to a women's "campout" aka - women's bible thumpin, hand raisin, Jesus praisin weekend. Needless to say I got saved. I actually prayed for salvation w/ Matt Kearney's Mom Shannon. She's an amazing woman w/ a heart for God.

Moments after praying the ABCs (Accept, Believe, Confess) I walk outside the cabin and see an old HS friend. I use the term friend lightly because the friendship ended with her confronting me at my job junior year and me sneaking out the back door. Yeah, bad situation.

She noticed me but walked to her cabin w/ out really acknowledging me. I prayed w/ Kristi and then followed my old friend to her cabin. I broke down when I opened the door. My tongue flew (w/ fire, but not the bad kind) I told her all the things that had been brewing over the past 7 years.

She looked at me and said "I forgive you." Wow - that was it? That was all it took? Telling the truth? Who knew?

I learned at that moment how powerful spoken words are. Actually how powerful unspoken words are as well. This scripture is a reminder for me. Where I used to be. And where I'm headed.

My first Christian CD ever

I was so excited to see Seth Bible perform at church the other night. This guy has an amazing voice and mixed w/ Trace, well, it was greatness.

Here's the vid of them performing a song from DC Talk (my 1st ever Christian cd).

To watch Seth sing alone go here, and scroll down about an inch. His song is called The Glory of it All.

Hats in church

Tonight we went to the early service at church. As I was sitting down, I spotted a couple from dance class. They aren't the most social people, so I took the initiative and went to say hello.

The wife was busy talking to a her neighbor so I asked the hubby how they were doing, and the wife (very suddenly) turned around and went OFF on him about wearing his hat in church. I tried to regain my composure...seriously she was yelling. I smiled and said "My hubby sometimes wears a hat too. When I was growing up, it wasn't allowed. But churches are much more accepting now." Her husband looked shocked that I even said anything that was in disagreement w/ her.

She replied "Real Christians don't wear hats in church out of respect."

Ummm...ok. I just said "Well, you two enjoy the service and see you soon." She stared at me for a long time after I sat down. I swear I felt my flesh being burned away. I looked over a minute later and the hubby had removed his hat. =/

Luckily Trace came out shortly after to start worship. Guess what? He was wearing a hat.

My experiment

Last night I went to dance class. First time since February. Naturally I was excited. I absolutely love to swing, fox trot & cha cha.

Disclaimer - names have been changed to protect the poor dancers.

There are several gentleman that I always end up dancing w/ at least once. Bob is about 50 and thinks he knows everything about dance. Mind you, he's only a social ballroom dancer, and has only been dancing for a few years. He has to stop & start constantly to stay on beat.

Next is Pete. He's about 75. He had heart surgery 15 years ago and dances to keep his body healthy. Attention Pete - just quit smoking a pack+ a day. That'll help. He's always trying to do the Viennese waltz...even when it's a cha cha. The Viennese Waltz should not be done by anyone over the age of 60 (w/ a few exceptions). He asks me to dance 5+ times a night. He's pretty sweet though.

Let's talk about Kyle. He's probably 25 & 6 ft. tall. He's decided that he won't adjust his frame for any woman, no matter how short. This results in some serious arm cramps while in a closed position. Although after last night, I'm thinking the open position is worse. He asks me to East Coast swing. He's not on beat. He decides to swing me out and pushes me so I'll do a double or triple turn. While I'm turning, he adlibs some cool John Travolta Grease Lightning moves. He wears super tight pants, so he really looks the part. Well, except for the glasses & the acne. I secretly prayed for the "Grease Lightning" to strike while we were dancing, so it would all just stop.

One more. Eric is about 25. He always wants to cha cha, but is still learning how. He likes to make up moves and claim that they are "advanced" steps. Hello? I've been dancing ballroom (among many other types of dance)MY ENTIRE LIFE. You can't fool me. Anyway, he always asks me out to Applebee's afterward nearly every time. Of course I don't go. Now I find out that only a few years ago "he" was a "she". Hmm...

So last night I walk in, NOBODY RECOGNIZES ME. Finally Tina says "Wow, I wouldn't have recognized you on the street!" The owner of the studio said the same thing.

I said hello to a nice gentleman that I usually sit by...he just walked away & smiled. This continued for several people. So I thought I'd conduct an experiment.

Experiment - Can I avoid dancing w/ the above mentioned folks for one evening? Maybe none of them will recognize me with straight hair, and I'll get the opportunity to dance w/ some of the young bucks that have some energy to really move.

It worked for most of the night. Pete recognized me and asked me twice (he of course did the Viennese). I obliged and used the time to talk. At least my lungs got a little workout, my legs sure didn't.

I did get to teach a few new guys how to foxtrot & swing. All in all it was a successful experiment. I think I heard (about 5 times) "Who's the new girl?" Girl? Wow - that alone was worth the time it took to straighten my locks. Wait, I guess when you're 75, a 31 year old looks like a girl. Never mind.

Don't forget to call your Mother

My friend Raianne just sent me this ebaums video. Hilarious. Don't forget your Mom, or the Mother of your children this Sunday.

Jennifer

My sister in law participated in Throwback Thursday. I knew she couldn't resist for long. It involves pictures...she's the picture queen!