Elizabeth - Sometimes tears are bad, sometimes they are good.  Bad tears are when we lose something important or valuable to us, like a loved one, or maye our home burns down.  These are sorrows that no one wants to experience.  Job lost everything, important and unimportant alike. We can only imagine the pain he felt.  In times like that, it may be good to turn to Soloman's Book of Ecc. where we learn that everything in this world is in vain and worthless, and to also remember that our treasure is where our heart is.  I think back to the story of when Einsteins factory burnt down...he was like a child in his excitement of this big fire.  He wasn't worried about his loss, he said afterward that they would just rebuild.  Oh to have a faith like that.

Then there are good tears, the tears that sometimes come from joy, such as we experience when our child just totally hits a milestone and amazes us to no end with how precious he or she is....yes...tears of joy, moments to remember forever.  But there is another type of joyful tear, that like you experienced today, that special type of joyful tear that starts with sorrow, but ends with the knowledge that we have a Father in Heaven who is there for us, to walk with us and to comfort us in our time of need.  Those are a very special kind of tear.  A mixture of sorrow and joy, a journey which takes us down that road of faith towards our home.

I've gone through some very trying times in the last year too.  I would compare my walk with God similar to that of my own 5 yr. old.  You know, at this age they get distracted easily, and instead of walking straight from the car to the house, the journey takes a crazy walk through a few weeds in the front yard.  He let me wonder into the weeds.  I guess He had to let me learn a few lessons on my own.  My faith has been weak in some ways, strong in others.  And like my child who knows her dad is there watching and protecting, I guess I sort of knew that He too was watching over my fanciful journey. 

But just like I tell my daughter that it is time to head into the house, I feel Him telling me it is time to get my act together, to grab His hand as we walk towards the house.  Life is not always easy, but through it all, even though I have had a few moments of panic here and there, I knew He was there and that it would be alright.  I've been down some rough roads before, and experience tells me that it will be ok in the end.  It always is...for He is there watching over us!

Oh...Elizabeth...if you ever feel like you want to talk to someone in regards to the difficult road you travel, one of the gifts that He gave me is the gift of being a great listener, without judgment...and in confidence.  This is a most precious gift, one which I have come to cherish. 

I've had the opportunity to talk with many people in my life, and I've had complete strangers tell me things that they would never tell to anyone...and after it was over they wondered why they opened up to me because they just don't do such things. 

I don't say these things to brag in any way, but just to let you know that if talking may make you feel better, know that you can pick up the phone and call.  When things are difficult, it is usually best to talk to someone, sometimes with someone who is not involved in any way.  I make myself available to others whenever I can.  His gift comes with great responsibility, one which I have never taken lightly.  So just know that if you want to talk...I am here!  ...and not just for you, but for others who read this as well.  My door (phone) is always open.

I just found this image on a blog, and I thought it was quite appropriate!

...isn't that what faith is really all about?

...

Steve - I find that for me, when I wait until late, I'm usually a bit tired and don't concentrate nearly as well.  Late night is not a good time for me to have stuff coming in.  It is a good time for me to have stuff going out though.  I'm more creative early in the morning and late at night for writing.  I'm not sure why, but the middle of the day just isn't good writing time for me.  We are all different and I wish I could study late at night as  you do, it is one of the only times there is total quiet in the house.

Thanks for making me laugh Alexander!  There aren't many who want to be accountable...and I'm not really looking for them.  They want to be left alone to feel secure in their unaccountability.  All I can do is to plant a few seeds, and let someone else water them.  When, and if they are ready, the Lord will lead them to the next step.

With the new group, I am looking for those who want, or maybe I should say, feel the need for some accountability in their lives, as I know I certainly feel that need.  I am but a man, weak in many ways, and having the support of my brothers and sisters in Christ is something we all have need of. 

Hi Elizabeth - Oh how you struck a chord with me, as I agree that many Christians throw out the "quickie" response.  I spent many years with lots of questions, and talking with Christians about the answers I was searching for seemed like a worthless quest.  I always got the same types of responses over and over...you just have to have faith...along with that nice smile and the little pat on the back as if that was the cure all answer.

One word....NOT.  And those seeking answers really don't appreciate that canned response.  I know I didn't, and I started staying away from Christians just because I came to expect the same thing over and over again.

It took years, but someone finally offered those answers.  And now, I look for people who were like me, people who want answers, who have some serious questions. 

I have a friend who is an atheist.  He loves to talk theology.  We've spent countless hours talking.  He laughs at most Christians as they CANNOT answer the most basic of questions, and he challenges them too.  I was with him once when 2 Christians came in to where he worked.  They played the typical game, and I knew that he was about to play with them for awhile.  I decided to keep my mouth shut and just watch, and this game went on for almost an hour.  These guys had no answers for him at all, just the "you gotta have faith man" response in about 50 different ways.

After about an hour, I couldn't take it any more and finally opened my mouth, and veered the conversation in a worthwhile direction.  We all talked for another hour.  I just wiped away the junk and opened the can of worms and the conversation took a good path after that and we had some serious discussions.  I can only wonder now if they took anything away with them that night.  I hope so.

As for that song you mentioned, if you happen to know if it is on the web anywhere, please let me know, I would love to hear it.  There is one song I like that reminds me a bit of that song, it is "Who Will Be Jesus To Them?"  I've got it on CD somewhere.  I'll have to find it as I'm not quite sure who sang it.

I do so agree with the title of the song you mentioned.  I see our mission as one where we should always be ready to show love to others...always!  I look to the eyes, and try to connect with people every chance I get.  So many are just dead and don't want to connect or hear anything.  I hurt for those people.  So many don't even want to see a smile and hear a hello.  It breaks my heart.  Many times I've reached out to others just to be nice and I can sense the distrust followed by the quick exit.  A Scripture comes to mind...Due to Iniquity, the Love of many will wax cold.  Oh how sad that this verse is so true in so many cases.  I see it way too often.

Anyway...this response is...way toooooo long!  It does my heart good to meet another whose heart is so full of love!  AR sends another blessing my way!