Comments on: Fall on Your Knees

By: jen d

jen d — Mon, 13 Dec 2004 14:38:08 +0000

Hey, Tomania. I’m finally re-entering the blogging world after a busy busy week! I don’t know that we made really NEW contacts, but we did see some newer faces there–people who come to the Sunday evening bible studies, but who don’t of yet come to the church service and have not yet trusted Christ. one of these couples brought their parents, who had come over from China, just so that she could introduce them to the Edmondsons (Pastor’s family) and others in the church who’ve “done so much” for them. The wife of this family told Pastor that she is very close to making a decision; she said she wants it to be a real decision, however, and not made just because she loves us. Of course, we agree. We do love her, and her husband, and would never want her to “make a decision” on our behalf. They are such a sweet couple. Actually, I think of it now and there WAS at least one new-comer (who wasn’t just a relative of a church member or friend). This young man is, I believe, a student at Berkeley studying, of course, music, and came with his friend who has recently been visiting our services (he, inturn, IS a Christian, and his parents are missionaries–indirectly, I think–in Turkey.) (Gwen, if you are reading this, I think you would hit it off VERY well with him. He’s artsy, and everything.) Ummm…whate else? Oh, Felicia (see her baptism story in last month’s post) has an uncle and grandfather and step-grandmother who attended; they were also at her baptism and all have yet to trust the Lord. The fact that they came at ll is a miracle! Pastor told me that he spoke with this uncle after the program, and the man had been so moved by the service that he walked away from Pastor in tears. Not usual for a hardened Bostonian. it’s a blessing for us to see these people coming, and coming back. What’s amazing and what I hope these people can understand is that we truly do love and care about them–a miracle of the Spirit–and desire them to know Christ for reasons that go far, far beyond just desiring another member to add to our numbers. That’s what I hope they can see. So far, I believe they have seen this, or we wouldn’t be seeing them, right???

As for my grandmother, I hope to post more about that soon.

And, as for my neighbors, I have officially met two of them (there are only…7 of us? (no more than 9) in our building). My next door neighbor, Robin, is very nice and I wish I were around more to see her/invite her over. I definitely need to reach out to her. I also met a man upstairs, Eric, who is a little older, and very gentile and kind. I feel safer with him in the building. When we met, he apologized for sometimes playing his opera too loudly. I said I hadn’t heard a thing, and at the time I hadn’t. But on Saturday, it woke me out of a sound sleep. I don’t mind, though. If it were booming bass or something, I’d be irritated, but it was okay. I thought of bringing them Christmas cookie plates that my church is putting together this week, but I’m debating as to whether or not I should include the tract and church card. I think that until I’ve actually talked about my faith with them and/or invited them to a church function, I should keep it more from me. But you’re right, it’s a good year. As for breads, my mom makes an awesome cardamom braid, but it’s not easy to get just right (i’ve tried). I’d recommend more of a tea bread (no yeast, no kneeding!) like a pumkin or poppyseed loaf, or something like that. Much easier. I still need to call you. I am so sorry!

By: Tomania

Tomania — Tue, 07 Dec 2004 01:02:02 +0000

Jen,

I am so glad to hear that your cantata went well. I knew that it would despite your worries. Has the church made any new contacts as a result?

Also, I am sorry to hear about your Grandmother. I understand the feelings of guilt. As you know, I have experienced those same feelings with regard to my own Grandfather and yet, to my shame, I still don’t make much effort to witness to those who are still alive. Thank you for bringing this to mind. It has challenged me to make more of an effort.

By the way, Have you met your neighbors yet? A great witnessing opportunity, especially around this time of year, would be to bring them something for Christmas. I am thinking about baking some bread for mine. Any good recipes?

Love ya!

By: jen d

jen d — Mon, 06 Dec 2004 21:16:06 +0000

Mels, thanks for taking the time to both read and respond. Your words are always encouraging, and I know that you truly understand. It’s good to have friends–a true blessing to have people in one’s life who relate, encourage, admonish in love…I know I owe you e-mails! They are coming soon to an inbox near you ;o) Thanks again for the kind words, Mels!

By: mels

mels — Mon, 06 Dec 2004 21:08:37 +0000

hey jen,
thanks for sharing all this. i was praying for your cantata this weekend as it came to mind. (and praise the Lord that it was brought to my mind!) i specifically prayed that everything would go better than you think it would.

interesting that you should mention the part about isaiah. pastor fred just preached on that last night. he talked about how holy God is and how unholy we are. i know i have been feeling the weight of my own sin in various areas of my life.

on the one hand, i really hate it and wish i could just be relieved from the pull of my sin nature. on the other hand, i am thankful that the Lord keeps revealing my sin to me and makes me aware of it and shows me how i need to be different. more than that, He’s made it clear–once again–that i am so dependent upon Him. because i just can’t get rid of the ugliness on my own.

i am sorry to hear about your grandma. i can understand your guilty feelings (and i am reminded once again that i need to keep in better contact with my own grandmother…) but i wanted to emphasize to you that it is not your fault that your grandma might be in hell. i think you know that, and i’m sure that i would be the first one to think “but if i only had…” if i were in your shoes.

in any case, you are right that God can forgive us: for our critical spirits, for our ueber-perfectionism, for our impatience, for our lack of love, for our letting opportunities pass us by. and yes, i am definitely included in the US part.

but it is hard nevertheless, i know.

love you, jen!