Thursday, September 30, 2010

Dealing With Literal Snakes

When you get an email like the following one at 5 a.m., after just arriving at work... you think, "Welcome to Arizona."

This evening (Wed 9/29) Cliff found what we thought was a dead baby rattlesnake in the parking lot by the last curb. When we attempted to remove it to the desert, it reminded us that it was very much alive and upset.
It then proceeded to crawl into the drainspout at the north end of the building. Per Bill's instructions there are 3 cones around the spout. Since several people who work late park out back, please be careful when going to your car, since it was right were one would walk when leaving.

Joe
Operations Technician



My next thought was, "Good thing I park in the front lot." After returning to my desk after the on-air shift, I read this message:

Joe,

Thanks to you & Cliff for being alert, as of now the problem has been resolved, I put a hose in the roof drain & the flow of water brought him from hiding in the darkness to being exposed by the light. At that time the forces of darkness & the forces of light collided & I was able to intentionally remove his head. Once again light has triumphed over darkness.

Everyone have a Blessed day.......

In His Service,

Bill
Facilities Manager

Normally, I'd advise prayer as a hedge for any scary issue in your life. But traffic cones and Godly men can help, too.

Friday, September 24, 2010

God's Mysterious Ways

Nine years ago, my husband and I were thousands of dollars in debt, so we sold a house we loved to downsize and make some money. We were so sad to leave our beautiful home, and we were not thrilled about the new subdivision.

But in the alley one day, we met gregarious neighbors, Tom and Brenda, whose house backed up to ours. Long story short, Mark and I both were invited to be in their wedding and to this day, four moves later, consider this couple among our dearest friends.

Every once in a while, we would congratulate ourselves on paying off our debt, but we still wondered about that stage of our lives--why things happened the way they did, why we had to leave the house we loved, and so on.

Fast forward to last January. Brenda's brother-in-law hired Mark when he needed a job. If we hadn't known Brenda, we sure wouldn't have known about the job in Arizona that's a great fit for Mark's talents. If Mark hadn't been in Arizona, I would never have been looking for the Christian radio job in Tucson that I started in April. God's ways are not immediately known to us, but I thank Him that he watches out for us.

Mark and I left another house we loved in Georgia. We are wondering about the last two years in Atlanta--what relationships did we make there that will make a difference some day? Will we ever know specifically why we felt called to ministry there? We try to be obedient, but our human nature wants to see a reason why we were there. However, we may not see the big picture until we see Him face to face.

In these times of uncertainty, I am thankful to have a job, and I am thankful that God sets plans in motion years before we ever know our needs.

We have traded a dream house for a worn apartment, but I know that God has a mansion waiting for me. I hope mine backs up to yours.

Friday, September 10, 2010

The Difference with Jesus

Tomorrow is a somber anniversary for our nation. For many of us, it was the first time we realized we are not safe on U.S. soil. Without the hope of eternal life with Jesus, the idea that terrorists could destroy us at any time might make us all crazy. That's why we must reach out in love to those who don't know about him.

Remember, for many other religions, you have to earn your way in to a life after death. Jesus bought your admission ticket. No other religious leader died for his followers. Jesus did. The other religious leaders remain in their graves; Jesus conquered death. If you don't believe me, research it.

We remember what happened tomorrow to honor those who have sacrificed their lives to keep our nation free. We remember what happened, knowing that our lives can change in a single moment. We remember what happened so that we appreciate life and laughter and love.

We are not safe. But we have Jesus.