Milestone 8.19.07 Whatever...

"Behind every great man, there is a woman rolling her eyes." jim carrey

Dear All:

Our group on Sunday was huge. Really huge.

And that was a very good thing for it was a good day to have such a huge group in attendance. I guess everyone must have known that Butch Thompson and so many of those who had traveled to Honduras this summer and years past would be in our midst.

Butch started his presentation with the statement that it had been “the most amazing trip to Honduras” they had experienced – "but not necessarily the easiest."

The Bible School crew (including Heather, Laree, Stephanie and Jesse Robinette)had prepared for 150 – think by Friday they had 516. Yes, that’s 516. In a big room about the size of our classroom except – no air!!!!!

Then the construction crews were digging through rock with a little of sand thrown in, mixing the cement on the ground then carrying it in five gallon buckets to the house they were working on. And they also helped build a chicken coop.

I know I can’t begin to explain all that they did – and I know some of what I’ve transcribed is incorrect (except I’m sure the 516 is right). But watching and hearing the reports of the trip, two things struck me.

First thing, was how every year, I think 14 groups go from North Georgia Conference. And how after seven years things start to build on each other.

Butch showed us many of the finished projects. Homes, Churches, Food Kitchens, Kitchens, helping the local craftsmen and artists find ways to market their creations, and on and on.

And secondly yesterday out on my daily “couch time” run, Steve Curtis Chapman’s song came on iPod (in between Disco Duck and the Monster Mash). And I couldn't help but think, it so applied to what we had heard from those on the trip…

“I made a list, wrote down from A to Z
All the ways I thought that You could best use me
all my strengths and my abilities
I formed a plan it seemed to make good sense
I laid it out for You so sure You'd be convinced
I made my case, presented my defense
But then I read the letter that You sent me
It said that all You really want from me is just…

WHATEVER… "

Yes, we can plan to build houses certain ways, plan on so many children for bible school..and then we come up against a bunch of events that make it all look like….God? Hey... i'm trying to do my best down here. What do you really want?

(okay – since I haven’t ever been to Honduras that is total editorial comment) But Butch recounted example after example of how over the years they thought one way was the best way to do something…but when that failed …God showed them just the opposite.

And you know they didn’t say – wait, God – that’s not how we planned it. They just said…

"Whatever, whatever You say
Whatever, I will obey
Whatever, Lord, have Your way
'Cause You are my God, whatever "

If you want to see John Miles go crazy, it’s usually when I just look at him and say “Whatever.”

I’ve tried to break myself of that bad, annoying habit. Because truth be told when I say “Whatever..” with rolled eyes and exasperation, it really means, this is what I think about this…and you obviously don’t agree.

My “Whatevers” are not acquiescing …they're are not to be taken as agreement (or in anyway changing my opinion on the subject)

But this S.C.Chapman song is talking about a completely opposite attitude of “Whatever.”

….Whatever it takes, however hard it is… i will bury my pride, opinion and ego. And follow YOU.
And that’s what the Honduran crew did….talk to them about their experience --- it was amazing.

Yes, some days it is so easy to roll my eyes and say, "whatever.." But the Godly "whatever" speaks of something entirely different. One that has forgotten about opinions, being right in decisions and caring passionately about having one's own way at expense of all else... needing one's life and service all planned out.

"In the Christian life, godly influence is never conscious of itself. If we are conscious of our influence, it ceases to have the genuine loveliness which is characteristic of the touch of Christ. We always know when Jesus is at work because He produces in the common place something that is inspiring."

Oswald Chambers

Announcements

Shelly Massey gave a treasurer's report. We have $4,812.98 in account.

We some of the ways MClass monies have been distributed..
Kids Camp in Athens, Taylor Kinchen fund, UGA Heroes, Honduran Fund, Appreciation gifts given to all Sunday School teachers last week. The women received lovely Pure Bliss notions. The men Georgia coffee cups - with all due apologies to Scott Webb who is huge Clemson supporter.

Prayer Requests

Please pray for Karen Griffith's sister, Becky Foy. She is still dealing with autoimmune problems. They have moved from RI to VA (please wave at the Angels for us). She needs help finding a new doctor. We pray for the perfect physician and that they will have new insight in how to help her body heal.

Keep Ruth's father in your prayers. He was hospitalized for diverticulitis and they discovered an aortic aneurysm. He is coming home from the hospital today. But will have to receive treatment on the latter in near future. Ruth is traveling to Florida today for a few days -- so keep all in prayers.

Meredith Hollaway asked for prayers for a friend's child, 5 month-old Ashton. There is a growth in his neck that they weren't initially concerned about -- but now it is getting bigger and they are going to do test. They are fearful it is cancerous. Please pray for peace in this very anxious time and complete healing.

OKAY ---

God Bless, Good Week and

"So strike a match, set fire to the list
Of all my good intentions, all my preconceived ideas
I want to do Your will no matter what it is
Give me faith to follow where You lead me
Oh, Lord, the give me the courage and strength to do ... Whatever....."

(i really wish i could pump music into these thing -- no... that might create all other kinds of problems) j