Tuesday, May 22, 2018

KINDRED SPIRITS

There have been few kindred spirits in my lifetime. I imagine it's that way with most people, but I've always noted mine to be few and far between. Not surprisingly, these are the people I admire most, with an exception here and there. My hope is that one or two of these kindred spirits would be available, and willing, to speak some sound words at a memorial service for me, if there should be one. It's not that I deserve sound words, it's just my desire.

If you're wondering what on earth I mean by "sound words", then you may not be the kindred spirit I thought you were. I believe you will know immediately from where I am coming. (I just love correct grammar.) And I am trusting completely in what you will say. My reference is this:

13Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you. 2Timothy 1 NASB

Jesus knows I have had such a struggle throughout my life with sound words. However, when it comes to scripture, I am praying that I won't be found errant nor lacking. God's holy words have been the most important teacher of my life, but I have been fortunate to have had other great teachers.

One of the first teachers I had was Galen Skinner who led me in the sinner's prayer, and for the next fourteen years taught me from the pulpit. I love this man of God who made me cry Sunday after Sunday for years as the Father spoke to my heart and weeded out so much. I wasn't much of a challenge for God, but I sure was for Galen.

I am told that not many believers have had the kind of mentors that I had all those years at Lincoln First Church. There was a room full of Christian women in a bible study class that taught me, supported me, prayed for me, and put up with me for fifteen years. They all had some responsibility for my spiritual growth, some good, some not so good, but two stand out as my stalwarts. They are Carol Rap and Lois Slaight; mighty warriors and prayer warriors. 

If I am still here in Georgia when I die, I am wishing for two speakers whom I reckon to be kindred spirits. One might be offended by that, but I've offended him before and he forgave me. I expect the same result now. If I were here at this moment, there would be good banter, lots of laughter, and at the drop of a pin all three of us could stop and approach the Father in adoration and honor, without a blink of the eye. This is what I mean by kindred spirits. Having fun, but knowing your priorities. I really don't know how else to explain it. I had this with one other person, Chris Abke, who has moved on and is no longer in my life, but still in my heart.

Tim Baker actually understands how I think, most of the time, which is quite frightening. I have found few who do. If I had to name another, I'm not sure I could. I'm not fond of small talk, I'm not good at it, and I don't like to get involved in things I'm not good at. It's so depressing to fail at something. But, if you want to talk about God's word or your spiritual walk, I come alive. Tim is very, very serious about scripture, and we have had good talks about it.


And then there's Karl (are you serious?) Alspach. I've always wondered if somewhere on a bathroom wall or restaurant table someone has written, "For a good time call Karl" and maybe some telephone number. Don't take that wrong! It's just that Karl has a wonderful, albeit weird, sense of humor. He's a hoot! I envy all the men that he is friends with because they get to enjoy him more often that I.  But, that wonderful humor is swiftly swept aside to honor his Savior and Lord. I adore Karl. I didn't really know God's word until I came to The Crossing. Karl has no qualms about hurting feelings or stepping on toes when it comes to delivering God's messages. This kind of teaching is a gift from the Father that many people don't appreciate and won't tolerate. 

Being a woman of many words on paper, I could go on and on. But my life is done, He's wanting me to be at home now, and quite frankly I'm more than ready, and it's someone else's turn to blow hot air at you. But keep it short, fellas. And for heaven's sake, please don't let it be said that I was a "good person". I was not. Jesus is good. Only God is good. 


========================================================================

at the memorial...

I like when people say things about how they have been touch by my life.

everyone singing, please, no solos.
Michael Alspach and band. no lead singer.

at the beginning:
BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL (10,000 REASONS)
THE LOVE OF GOD IS GREATER FAR

at the very end: clapping to the music is a good thing!
DAYS OF ELIJAH