Yesterday, Saturday the eighth, Jesus dropped by.
I was in really bad shape, alternating between unconsciousness and shrieking in pain, and during one of the interludes I remember (most of the day's lost), Jesus stopped by.
First He gave me a cold bottle of water. I can't tell you how it tasted...I know it's supposed to be the best water eer, but all I can remember is that it was water. Sorry.
Then He told me He admired the smooth transition I made from hardass to dumbass. His words.
And finally, He asked me just who I was still trying to impress.
And that was the end of the interview.
It's tempting to insert commentary here, to give this all a context and framework, but it wouldn't be honest.
This was just Jesus, my friend, stopping by to give me some water and a hard time.
Still hoping to get the new and improved version of Blessed Are The Pure Of Heart up and running in the near future. Just haven't had the energy to do it yet...but if you would like to read it, please say so in your comment and I'd be glad to send you a PDF (which should fit your Kindle).
I have another blog, "Starting The Day With Grace". The focus is a grace quote from someone you might not expect (like, say Mick Jagger) and a short commentary. I hope you'll join me.
Marley update... been moved to a sanctuary, and Bay County will revise their 'dangerous dog' codes.
WE MADE A DIFFERENCE!
And marley has a Facebook page! Please drop by to see how happy he is today.
If you can, please do leave a comment. I am trying to answer all, and I am failing, but please know this - I read and treasure each one.
Below are my recent releases on Kindle -please excuse their presence in the body of the blog. I haven't the energy to get them up as 'buttons' in the sidebar. You can click on the covers to go to the Amazon links.
Sometimes we just need the words of Jesus without interpretation or commentary. Thanks for that blessing, Andrew.
ReplyDeleteMary, you're absolutely right; I needed His reality, and was graced with just that.
DeleteThank you so much for being here.
That's what I love about Jesus, He's a friend and comes to chat with us as a friend. Praying for you!
ReplyDeleteBarbie, yes...He is a FRIEND, and that is what makes Him so special!
DeleteThank you so much for the prayers!
Glad you got to hear from Him.
ReplyDeleteJan, me too! :)
DeleteI love this little visit: a sweet mercy in a really rough weekend. And water, and the "from hardass to dumbass" comment: that's true friendship right there.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I hope you saw a couple more comments on your "terminal and loving every minute" post. your words are echoing around the world, friend. Bless you.
Bronwyn, it's something that will stay with me to the end of my days...this clear definition of the Friend who is waiting for me.
DeleteI did go back and saw the comments...I am so blessed by the opportunity you gave me, and the comments that people left...beyond words.
I love that Jesus gets us - says what needs to be said in the words that need to be used. What a great friend. And thank you, for sharing the realness of Jesus!
ReplyDeleteCarol, that's exactly perfect...the 'realness of Jesus'.
Deletebecause that is what He is...a friend for US. Each of us, individually.
Thanks so much for being here today!
Hmm, hardass to dumbass. and I thought my cynicism was unspiritual ...thanks for setting me straight. Truth is blunt! But water accompanying it, now that's sweet. He does show up at the right time. Praying for you. I can't imagine what you go through. Read Rom 8:18. It will one day be all worth it. Paul's inspired words of promise, not mine.
ReplyDeleteMary, I have the feeling that rock-bottom truth is never unspiritual. It's our acknowledgement that our lies, as messy as they are (and as dumb as we can be) are in God's hands, and that they are precious to Him.
DeleteThank you so much for reminding me of Romans 8:18, and most especially for your prayers.
Dear Andrew, your personal candor and perseverance seem to reflect Jesus in your everyday life, not just in His visits. Thank you for sharing Him with us!
ReplyDeleteAlice, thank you so very, very much for this comment. I'm honoured and thrilled!
DeleteAndrew, I so appreciate your transparency. It is amazing how Jesus shows up and He speaks to us not only what we need but also in exactly the way we need to hear it. He tells us straight for our own good. Andrew, may God continue to give you strength to share your words. Know that we all are grateful for you and for the way God uses you in the midst of the hardest trial of all. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteJoanne, thank you for this, and you're right...He speaks in the way we need to hear Him, and sometimes in the only way we CAN hear Him.
DeleteThank you so much for these kind words...blessings back, from all of us.
Jesus stopped by. Yes. And He's staying. He's not going anywhere. He's 'a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.' And He's not at all intimidated or thrown by your own suffering.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fine companion in our darkest hours ...
Linda, I LOVE how you put this...He's staying, and He's not intimidated by what I'm going through. He can handle it.
DeleteSo grateful for this comment, and for your presence here.
I can't think of any words to add to what everyone else has already... so I'll just repeat that you, Barbara and the doggies are in my family's prayers each day.
ReplyDeleteJesus loves you. \o/
Diana, thank you so much...we truly, TRULY appreciate the prayers...and you and Jerry are in ours.
DeleteQueen Esther - that's how Jesus showed up for my mom.
ReplyDeleteSusan, that is so wonderful! Esther's one of my favourite Bible People...well, especially after seeing "One Night With The King", about a dozen times.
DeleteAnd counting!
Love the song. And as always, your openness. Continued prayers.
ReplyDeleteDebbie, thank you so much for being here, and for the prayers...and I'm delighted you loved the song.
Delete