Tag Archives: friends

The hole in the roof

This is a repost from my former blog (no longer available…thanks to apple’s “re-do” and nixing their blog template…whatever. It is from 2 years ago and this gospel is truly one of my favorites. I’ve been blessed with tremendous friends (and family) and though distance separates me from my besties, I am fortunate to have a few where I am now. However, the friends you raise your babies with, the friends who hold your hand and let you soak their shoulders with your tears during your darkest days, the friends who speak the truth when it’s the last thing you want to hear, the friends who watch your children, feed you, clean your house and drive with you through a most difficult season in your life……those friends have a forever place in your heart. Today’s gospel reading makes me think that the paralytic’s friends hold a forever place in his heart.

This morning’s Gospel Reading is from the book of Mark, Chapter 2. The story of the paralytic who is lowered through the roof by his friends in order that he could be healed by Jesus. I’ve heard the story many times and today I am struck by so many details.

The crowd was so big the friends could not get close to Jesus. So, I wonder, “How did they get on the roof?” If the crowd was so large, did they go to a nearby house and “roof hop” until they were on the right one? Many of the houses of that time would have been close together. Was it right next door or 4 houses down?

And their friend, who was paralyzed. They bring him along the entire way, on a mat. What is that mat like? An oversize sling? A makeshift stretcher with poles to help carry? Is he holding on for dear life or resting in the anticipation that he just KNOWS these friends are doing him the favor of a lifetime? Because if he eventually comes DOWN through a roof, he clearly has gone UP on a ladder or stairset and that can’t be easy on anyone, much less a paralytic on a mat.

And the hole itself. The above image is how I imagine the roof to be. Now is that roof really strong enough for FOUR men AND their paralyzed friend to stand on while they MAKE A HOLE THROUGH IT?!?!?!? I mean it is basically sticks thatched together for crying out loud! And then……..the lowering of the friend! OH MY!!! The mess that clearly made. Was Jesus right under it while straw and roof bits were sprinkling down on him, in his hair or eyes? Did He calmly continue along with his healing and then just greet the paralyzed man or did He stop and watch the situation play out silently cheering them on in their plan?

How about the people around Jesus waiting for healing of their own? Clearly there were many, because the men could not get through. Were they put out? Thinking, “Hey! We were here first!” Grumbling amongst themselves? Or were they in awe of such a crazy plan and kicking themselves that they had not come up with it themselves?

It’s just an amazing story. And I think of all my friends who have led me through impossible situations, making a hole where there seemed to be no way in and showing me Jesus. So patiently waiting. So ready to heal. And I am overwhelmed with gratitude and tears at the lengths they have gone through to get me here. And I am up from my own mat, in sight of all the people and we can all praise God, “We have never seen anything like this.” Mark 2:12b

Because sometimes we have to make the extraordinary effort to reach Him. The One who heals. The One who patiently waits. The One who applauds the hole in the roof, mess and all. And sometimes we get there with the extraordinary measures of those special friends He brings into our lives. The ones who have carried you through the crowds. Up the ladder. Cleared a path, and lowered you through the roof, right to the feet of Jesus. WOW.

What a way to start the day. Praise God for His patience. Praise God for His Love! Praise God for the friends He brings to our lives. Praise God for every day we have the opportunity to live out our lives glorifying Him.

What doesn’t kill us….

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Do you ever seem as though you can get so easily caught in a vortex of despair? (Currently, I am fine…but lately there are many around me suffering and each challenge seems to bring forth a new and fresh hell for someone else). There is so much suffering around ALL of us. Each of us with our own drama and issues to deal with and then to meld together as we swim our way through. Thus is life. Fluid and changing.

John 16:33

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

One of my favorite lyrics (and all-time sayings) in Kelly Clarkson’s song…..”What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” is so true; it’s not the trials we face….because we ALL have crosses to bear throughout our lives…it is how we deal with those trials and when we rise above…we are stronger.

Last night I read my friend Lea’s blog and she put up this great poem and even better pictures to remind me that we are not only made stronger by life’s trials but more beautiful. Looking at the pictures of these beautiful ladies and friends and looking back on the years….it’s true.

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat,

known suffering,

known struggle,

known loss,

and have found their way out of the depths.

These persons have an appreciation,

a sensitivity,

and an understanding of life

that fills them with compassion,

gentleness,

and a deep loving concern.

Beautiful people do not just happen.”

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross (1926-2004); psychiatrist, author

Teacher duty day…1/4 of the school year: DONE!

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And this Friday finds our lovely children home with Hubby (as he actually tries to work with them around…good luck with that, babe!) as their teachers put together report cards wrapping up the first 9 week period of the school year. And you’ll find me…..at work. Whatever. At least I’m not waking/dragging kids out of bed, to the breakfast table and then herding them through general hygiene and dress to the car. A little break, if you will. I’ll take it. You’ll also find me “groupie-style” with Jennifer Fulwiler and peeps throwing down some Quick takes…7 to be exact.

1) I’ve lost my way this week. Eating healthy that is. It started with my sister and nephews in town for the weekend (I always like to blame my sister….it feels comfortable…), then rolled into a potluck lunch at work and now here it is Friday and I’m wondering where in the HECK did my mojo go??? Fortunately, I’m still moving. Each day I seem to pull it together a little more, however, it’s KOOKOO (for cocoa puffs) KRAZAY what sugar does to you….it’s like a drug. Serious. C’mon, just a taste. Everyone’s doing it. Before you know it…it’s Friday and your body is all kinds of confused and begging you to just. walk. away.

2) We let our oldest stay home from school one day. End of the semester. The older grades were doing PSAT testing and the 9th graders were stuck in home room all day. Not to fear though….I left him a list. *finish driving permit practice test *laundry. all of it. *dishwasher *vacuum house*mow lawn. front and back. and neighbors. front and back. It was sooooo nice to come home to a clean and tidy house. We should keep him home more often…

3) I had to make a difficult decision in the best interest of someone else this week. Sadly this resulted in cutting out a treasured annual trip. However, in doing so, and receiving affirmation from a friend in my decision, it was an incredibly FAST and certain answer to prayer. I’m not sure what God has in store for ME that weekend, but I know He’ll be busy and I’m happy to not be an obstacle, but rather an intercessor, and that’s OK. The most important work ALWAYS happens behind the scenes.

4) Our girl has her cheer competition this weekend and each practice I’m more amazed at how these girls have put so much effort in over these past few weeks and to see this routine come together. Tonight, I actually got a lump in my throat as they practiced in front of the older and younger cheer groups. Pathetic, I know. What can I say? I’m a sap. Her first year cheering and of this I am sure: Sunday will be quite the experience that is a certainty. Which also means the season is almost over. Can I get an AMEN?!??! **note to self, grab earplugs from MRI tomorrow….

5) We are one week into the Read the Catechism in a Year for the year of Faith. I must say, I am truly enjoying it. So is Hubby! It’s in small bite size pieces (so far) and it’s a great Faith discussion for us to focus on TOGETHER during this year.

6) It’s Biketoberfest here. Thinking about taking my camera this weekend and shooting some frames. An interesting mix. Soccer. Football. Romney/Ryan. Cheer comp. Bikes. We live in an interesting and eclectic area. Fo’ sho!

7) Now that I’ve stayed up too late…it’s time to go to bed….and get a walk in before work. Because I can. Happy Friday, all and have a super weekend!!

**in reference to a portion of #6, I will NOT be attending…mainly due to time constraints and kid activities, also I really don’t enjoy getting stuck in traffic, etc. I’m good, I’ve made up my mind….I completely agree with Calah Alexander on her article about Politics…I’m pretty sure she wrote it for ME…though with many more actual facts…I’m not really a detail person, so thanks, Calah!!

Ch-ch-ch-changes….

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Our fluffy, fatty learned to climb and jump and last night he decided to pull an all-nighter. Cats. Dirty little stay-out!!

Back-to-school always brings a new routine with it and, try as we might, it ALWAYS takes a couple of weeks of tweaking and a TON of patience as we all get in to our new groove. I’m a structured person and change is rarely easy on me, however, God’s grace can carry us through…..if we let it and so far……so far…..a fairly successful week. We only have a few binders to purchase and some extra loose leaf paper…not bad, not bad…

1. Oldest son started high school. New faces, new classes, taking the bus for the first time EVER and so far….so far…..he only got on the wrong bus the first day (coming home). Aside from that, it appears his transition–especially the waking @ 5:30 a.m. change, has gone pretty well.

2. Youngest son’s academic brilliance overshines his common sense on occasion and had a little lapse of such during a rainy afternoon resulting in major miscommunication with Dad. All ended well, its times like these that I have to keep repeating to myself……he’s only 13, he isn’t using his full brain yet…he’s only 13….it’s painful though.

3. Oldest daughter forgot her backpack one day BUT remembered her lunch. Dad to the rescue which meant getting snagged in morning school traffic….GRRRRr…..tweak, tweak, tweak….must get in the habit of remembering all that’s to be remembered…

4. With rain ALL week long the girls FINALLY had practices last night, so we’ve had mostly all family dinners this week! Which I love. And which will also be the biggest challenge for me with these evening practices messing up our dinner schedules, but see how good God is??….he eased me into it this week. How often do YOU have family dinners??

This puppy is on sale now and has some GREAT dinner ideas….a lovely addition for our weeknight dinners…save money….save time…eat well….I like it, I like it!!

5. Hubby has taken on the coupon challenge and is in the researching phase (and accumulation phase) of coupons and how to work the sales. He is a detail guy and has infinitely more patience than I in these matters and I look forward to him steering this ship AND saving us some cash!!! We’ve reigned in our grocery bill for our family of 6 (2 teen boys included) to roughly $600/mo…but I know we can go lower. What’s your average??

6. I finally broke down and bought new sneakers. My work ones are shot, so I’ll swap out my walking ones for work (not my favorites) and use my new ones for walking. Broke them in on the track at practice last night….3 miles!! Nice. Add to that 2 days at the gym (3 today) and I’m feeling pretty good about this week. Woop woop!! Definitely helps to manage the stress level!!

My feet liked these….on sale@ Kohl’s…

7. Having dinner and a night out with one of my oldest girlfriends tonight and several other high school friends. She’s in town from California and it’s going to be a min-high school reunion! She and I have been friends since 7th grade!! It will be fun…but with an early game tomorrow morning this Mama will be home early-ish so I’m not so grumpy tomorrow. That leaves Hubby on practice drop off/pick up, etc, etc….he’s the Bomb and a Blessing. Balance. All Balance. A constant work in motion, isn’t it?? Have a great weekend!!

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