Crash & Burn

So at almost midnight on Friday night(sept.1) my beloved Bonnie(ville) met her fate on Big Bend when a 2006 Hyndai Elantra pulled out in front of her. May her, 13year old, tune-up needing, major oil leaking, break pad worn soul rest in peace. If you haven't figured it out this is where the "crash" part of the title comes in.

Now for the "burn" factor. I didn't ask for my otherwise perfect night to end this way. Was I frustrated, yes, did I want to scream, yes, did I get irrate, no, do I blame God or myself, definitely no! Did I feel gyped & screwed, yes! But one thing that I learned is that when something happens it's not about how you react but how you respond. And that is what decides if you burn or if you rise up and use that extra heat to spur you on to what you need to do. Whinning has never solved anything for me-not sayin that I haven't done it, it just doesn't solve anything...

Label me and optimist but I'm also a realist (and yes Christians can be realist)..Things happen in life, the bible clearly states what adversity will come against us in life, but we are told to be of good cheer, because God has control over that adversity! So I look at this as another lessoned learned, which comes with living life...and I'm just glad to be living.

Lake Invasion '06 is over....sigh....but it was awesome! One of our youth leader guys asked me what I expected and I just knew that God was going to confirm some things for me about my place-where I fit- and as usual He is always right on time! The message this weekend was pretty much about "cleaning house" and making room for the holy spirit to move in and operate in our lives. There were teens who were set free from addictions, suicidal thoughts, and freed from unforgiveness toward those who had abused them in the past! When God shows up, he definitely "shows-off" as well!- it was phenomenal!

Besides meeting their spiritual needs our teens had the opportunity to be kids and to get down and dirty! The theme was "All Stars" and they were challenged through several CRAZY events, for example, a gladiator ring, eating sick things like:grubworms, snails, capers, etc., and a grueling obstacle course complete with rubberband maze, tunnels, climbing wall and mud pit!

I had the most awesome time hanging out and getting to know our teen girls better!-we are so blessed to have girls who areopen and real about who they are. This weekend also confirmed that just when you think that you suck at something and have no room for improvement, it makes that much more room for God to perfect you in that to which you were called.

Most of you MoBapians may know that our old alma mater has changed! I thought about boycotting graduation last night, but I didn't. But anywho...I decided to mourn the loss of our catchy, yet classy old alma mater...here goes...

"Near the city of St. Louis nestled on a hillside fair
Lies Missouri Baptist "College" a home for those who care
Dedicated halls of learning
Blending knowledge old and new
Through the years our hearts keep turning
Faithfully remembering you
May we ever 'keep' our honor
To serve God and man kind too"

Oh dear alma mater you will be missed...(insert moment of silence)...
disclaimer: a verse or word or two or three may have been left out