Call me Ruth...

This past week's Sabbath school lesson was one of my best.  I had quite a few illustrations which were all relevant, and my questions were not only relevant but thought provoking too...I could see on my kids' faces that it was sinking in.  But, as I was driving home, I thought of some other cool visual things I could have done to really drive home the point.  I thought, "if only I had more time."

So to give myself more time, I opened up the quarterly tonight to see what this week's topic was and began grasping the "power point".  This upcoming lesson is about how God's love is continually drawing us to Him.  It's actually a really neat twist - it talks about how Ruth was drawn to God through her respect and love for Naomi.  As I was brainstorming illustrations and games we could do, it hit me. I am Ruth.  I recently made a new friend who is not like anybody I have ever met before.  This person is a true follower of Christ, and yet so human.  I'm not quite sure how to convey what I am trying to say.  Anyways, after spending time with this person, I find myself wanting to have a deeper relationship with God.

Tonight was definitely a humbling experience.  I wonder if this lesson is more important for me or these kids?

I am still in awe of how God works and thankful that He still uses "Naomis".

inspired.

I have a page that's part of an ad in one of my surf mags taped up on my wall.  It has been on my wall since my freshman year at LLA.  I first ripped it out because I thought it would like neat with my collage.  It's not exactly great writing, but over the years, it has become more and more meaningful to me.  It strikes me differently almost every time I stop to read it.

The past few weeks I have been trying to write my personal statement essay for graduate school applications.  I'm not sure why, but this has been very difficult for me.  I have pored over past journals, pictures, and other writing assignments to try and come up with something significant and still after about 2 weeks, I don't have a single word written.

This morning, my poster caught my eye.  Here is what it says:

"I went to land today and walked a ways on the beach.  A bunch of kids from the village came out to hang out and walk with me.  They are the most beautiful people.  These kids have a glow in their face and a smile so pure and full of joy.

Life is what you shape it to be, shape it as you like. Love for the moment, tomorrow it will be history.

You know that feeling deep down in your gut that feels like a heart beat? It can be a lot of things, but mainly it's what you imagine or choose it to be. It can make you feel queasy & shaky & afraid & nervous energy takes over your body or you can become excited, stimulated, jumping out of your skin & full of energy & joy."

As I read this, everything fell into place.  I thought back to that single moment (waiting for Tyler to get done with work - Manny Vitug came into P.T.'s office) that forever shaped my life in ways I had never imagined and what has subsequently happened since.  It became very clear to me that God has brought me right here, right now.  He loves me, He is proud of me, and He still has so much more in store for me.