Numbers

I have been reading Numbers, and it is intense. Today was ch. 16, where twice Moses & Aaron had to fall facedown before the Lord begging Him not to wipe out the entire people of Israel. God keeps telling them to get out the way "so I can put an end to them at once."
Whoa!

This time the cause was Korah & etc. Levites, rising against Moses, claiming he is going too far in "lording it over the people" and that they should be able to be priests for themselves.

A few things popped out:

* People dislike authority and are easily aroused to jealously of their power. Korah & peeps were guilty of this, & I often find it in my own heart. Why must I try to control things? Just trust in God's goodness & submit to leaders.

*People are (I am) stupid, whiney and forgetful when it comes to God. I'm constantly amazed at the Israelites. Time and again God provides for them (manna, the promised land, escape from Egyptian slavery, guidance in the desert), & God shows miraculous signs of His power, but somehow these people consistently make bad choices. They grumble against the food, they listen to the 10 spies instead of believing the Lord, they demonize Moses for their suffering & for the earth swallowing up the mutinous Levites. As if they had not seen the Red Sea part! As if they did not have a cloud and pillar of fire lingering over their camp at all times! As if they had not seen thousands of their own people plagued because of their whining! And most recently, they just watched the earth swallow up the people who challenged Moses. I would think they would shut up and do whatever he said! "Yes, Moses, whatever you want, guy!"

Sadly, I also listen to man, whine & complain, forget about the blessings & benefits from the Lord in the past and even right in front of me. It's humbling to see what humans are like as the drama of the Israelites unfolds in Numbers.

"New post"

Well, here's another post.....
Let's see, what's been happening..... Well, the summer is slipping away rapidly (like sands through the hourglass). Just last week I participated in Vacation Bible School at church which was a re-creation of first century Bethlehem for the kids. Pretty awesome!! A typical sight was a kid playing with dough at the "Farmer's Market", which was then cooked on a hibachi. Just look at the glee in John's face (above).

Eric & I got worked over at the dentist the other day -- I got three fillings & he got two & a "deep" cleaning. We were bummed, but also strangely relieved. Now we are super motivated to care for our teeth -- every last molar, canine, and incisor. (During the drilling: "Please God, no root canal -- no root canal!!")

The last several weeks we have been adjusting to having my father live with us. He still hasn't quite figured out the TV/DVR remotes, but he's made himself at home and has been helping clean up & eat the dinners I've been making. Yes, I've been cooking for the family, which has been pretty fun, I must say. Eric & I sure aren't used to having a 73 year-old around.

Besides that, I've been going through pictures, cards, and general memorabilia from the last ten years. It's been overwhelming at times, but I've enjoyed reading all the cards, thinking about all the friendships and family relationships that have meant so much to me all these years. I've had lots of funny, depressing, wonderful times with loved ones!!! You know who you are.

Coffee Talk #1

Well, here's my blog. I guess I'll start by saying welcome. Welcome to my blog. I don't know if anyone will read this except me (and maybe my mother), but I feel kinda like Doogie Howser, which is pretty cool. Eric said he'll read it (he's sweet).
Anyway, thanks for being here! You're all sweet!