Opposing God's Will

I promised to keep a positive outlook. It doesn't seem to be working today.

I was looking for an article about melamine in the human food supply, but came across this totally unrelated article.

El Sobrante, Calif. - Parents who belong to the Bethel Baptist Church in El Sobrante are told in no uncertain terms: Spank your children or oppose God's will.

The church, which also runs the 200-student Bethel Christian Academy, discourages parents from using their hands and recommends using a "rod" or flexible stick to swat children until their will is broken. But an eight-panel church pamphlet with corporal punishment instructions does caution against using instruments such as hairbrushes, cords or 2-by-4s.

So now I not only worry about toxic substances that my child and dog may have ingested, but it has been confirmed that I oppose God's will. Not surprising. It seems I already "oppose" God's will when it comes to my stance on war, oppression of others, women's roles, and most political issues.

On a positive note, my doggie boy is loving his home cooked food and strong-willed Little Sprout is busy researching weather forecasting. The sun is shining and we are planning a healthy lunch outside on the deck.

As for me and God, we are getting along just fine...despite my "opposition".

This was the Question I Asked

I've been silent about the VT shootings.

But like just about everyone, I've been asking myself questions.

I didn't ask:
Where was God?
Would better gun control legislation have prevented this?
Who could have done something different?
What makes someone lay down their life for another?
How would I react?
What if it was my child?
How do we heal?
What can I do?

Reading through the news those first few days, one question did pop into my mind. I thought perhaps I was the only person to ask this question.

I guess not.

Friday Five: The Whole Tooth

And nothing but the tooth!

For the RevGals Friday Five, reverendmother writes:

Cheesehead and I are both laid up this week with various tooth maladies. This one's in honor of us:

1. Are you a regular patron of dentists' offices? Or, do you go
a) faithfully, as long as you have insurance, or
b) every few years or so, whether you need it or not, or
c) dentist? what is this "dentist" thing you speak of?

I was c) until my late twenties. When I finally went to the dentist, he wanted to know why I finally decided to show up. I said, "I figured my luck was going to run out soon." Now I aspire to be b) but I'm probably moving back to c).

2. Whatever became of your wisdom teeth?
Three months after that first dentist appointment, I had my wisdom teeth removed. All three of them. Seems I was low on luck and teeth.

3. Favorite thing to eat that's BAAAAAD for your teeth.
I gave up ice. I don't eat lots of sugary foods. Perhaps it would be tea or coffee that can stain.

4. Ever had oral surgery? Commiserate with me.
Just the wisdom teeth removed under general. It wasn't too bad. But I've had other kinds of surgery that were horrific, so I guess I can still commiserate.

5. "I'd rather have a root canal than _________________."
go to the hospital for anything. I trust dentists just a bit more than medical doctors.

Bonus: Does your dentist recommend Trident?
No, but at my last visit several years ago, she did recommend flossing more often.

How Did It Go Today?

The meeting.

I'm not sure how it went.
You'd think that after a chat over coffee that lasted almost 5 hours I'd have a better answer than that.

It was good in that we bounced around so many subjects that I needed to discuss.

I was disappointed that a lightening bolt didn't strike to clear up the situation once and for all.
Nah, I knew that wouldn't happen...too easy.

Now I need to digest all the info I took in today. Pray over it. I expect God will awaken me at 2 a.m. sometime in the next week or so for an lightbulb moment. I don't expect that moment will answer all my questions.

After 5 hours, I'm glad I chose decaf...

So This is Spring: A Flurry of Thoughts

• It is a beautiful Spring day. Really!

• Usually Darling Hubby (UDH) was the first to notify me. Four to Six. Then David or Bob (the local weather guys) upped the ante to Five to Seven. Later it was Six to Eight and then possibly more. SNOW. It is everywhere. And it is beautiful.
  

• I'm am pondering the dream I had a few nights ago. All I remember is my shoe was coming apart. I live in walking/running shoes and in the dream, the sole was peeling off right from under my foot. When I told UDH, he smiled. I said, "Yeah I know. I'm in danger of losing my sole." Fortunately, I'm confident my soul is secure. Still I feel like some other parts of me are being peeled away. My soul is exposed and I feel vulnerable.
  

• I'm still processing Maundy Thursday communion with the denomination of my childhood. As I was walking out, the pastor put her arm around me and said there would always be a place for me there. Sounded like something my mom said when I moved away from home. I went out to my car and cried. All kinds of tears. Sadness, joy, fear, anger...it all was pouring out.
  

• Tomorrow afternoon, I am scheduled to meet with the pastor of the church I sometimes still attend and where UDH is still very actively involved. I didn't request the meeting, but I hope it will help me clarify a few things. One part of me wants to take a list, a hammer and a nail...but since we'll probably meet at a local coffee shop instead of behind the church's door, it would probably lose all meaning. The other part of me is begging for God to change something within me, or the church, or the pastor...so I can take the easy path of silence and concession. Mostly, I just pray the Holy Spirit will guide me to the place I can best serve. The place I need to be. And I pray that I will follow where God leads...my shoes are ready. Is my soul?
  

• I am happy today.