Where Do You Run?

May 6, 2008

First grade was a turning point in my young life.  If given the chance, most children will relentlessly tease tiny, freckled-face redheads.  And if you’re a chatterbox, teachers get frustrated with telling you to be quiet, and in the sixties they used paddles to get their point across.   First grade was a culture shock and set the stage for twelve years of teasing which, at times, could cross the line to bullying.

Do you feel sorry for me?  Don’t.  I was a fighter…not with fists, but words.  I was too little to take anyone on physically, and many times other children took advantage of this weakness.  But I was smart and I could talk.  However, many times I wished I had an older brother to come to my rescue.

Fight or flight?  In a moment of crisis what do you tend to do?  Do you get ready for a fight, fists held high, and jump into the fray…or…do you run as fast as possible for the nearest help?

Fighting comes naturally for me.  Mother Bear can rear her frightening head when children are involved or when an injustice is obvious.  But I struggle with this tendency.  Mom taught us to always be ladylike, it’s a “suthun thang”, and the Word tells us to be controlled by the Spirit, not to fulfill the deeds of the flesh.    Balancing being a ladylike Christian and a fighter is not always easy…I’m learning to be a runner.

Yes, I understand we are told to stand firm in the strength of the Lord with our armor on, and I agree wholeheartedly.  But I now see we are not told to engage in the fight, but allow the Lord to be our strength.  It is His battle.  You see, one way you are fighting with your own strength, be it fleshly words or fists, it’s still about you.  The other way, running for help first, allows the Lord to do the fighting for you.  He will give you the words…His words…spiritual words to deal with the situation.  Keep your sword sharp (the word of the Lord) so when the battle comes, you will remember His words of truth and only speak when He has told you what to say.

Do you believe He will fight for you?  If you are in Him then you have been given covenant promises, and one of those promises is protection.  He is your big brother.  He is your friend.  He is ready to protect you when the need arises.  Do you know you can run to Him for help in the time of need?

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe. ~Proverbs 18:10

The battle is the Lord’s and you have all the strength you need in His name.  Let Him protect you.

Rejoicing!!!  :lol:  I have a big brother!!!!  :D   Do you?  ;)

Entry Filed under: Bible, Christian, Christianity, Church, Faith, Friendship, God, Jesus, Life, Religion, Sanctification, Thoughts. .

205 Comments Add your own

  • 1. tam  |  May 6, 2008 at 4:59 pm

    I can’t remember where it is in the OT but something to the effect off not talking too much…”turn off the flow”. That’s a good word for me.

    I’m definitely a fighter. I don’t run. It’s not a trait I’m proud of. And you’re right. It is selfish. It makes it all about us.

    I grew up watching my mother get beat by her boyfriends and she would just stand there and take it. But NOT without running her mouth (which always made it worse) So even though I learned that talking back or fighting might get you an extra bruise - I still wanted to be tough like mommy and argue my case. I struggle with that to this day. But am really working on my softer side ;)

    Thanks for this Michelle!

    Love you so much!!!

  • 2. Michelle  |  May 6, 2008 at 6:14 pm

    Wow, Tam. That type of home life would certainly teach you to be a fighter.

    No fists flew within our home, but the words sure could…I’m thinkin’ that’s fairly common, unfortunately. I really wanted to be tough too, but more often than not, I just looked comical because I was so little. You know that “Friends” episode with Joey dating the little girl who kept hitting him? Yeah…I just looked comical. ;)

    The softer side…we sure have similar struggles…

    Love you too!!!

  • 3. TheNorEaster  |  May 6, 2008 at 7:37 pm

    I’ve had my share of beatings. Some from my parents. Some from my siblings. Some from people in high school.

    I’m ashamed to say, I’ve learned to fight back with my mind. It’s a bad habit. It’s certainly gotten better over the years, but there are still times it’s like a beast I have inside that comes out whenever I sense that someone is crossing a line…putting me down…calling me “That Deaf Guy.”

    Or “Hearing Aid NorEaster.”

    And, once that I know of, “Channel 5.” Like I’ve got one of those old rabbit-ear antennas on my head. Their life is a joke. A joke.

    I’ve certainly gotten more patient with stupid hearing people. But the challenges are still extraordinairy. There are times I listen to couples talk about “communication problems” and I just think, “What problems could you possibly have? When he says something you can hear him! And when she tells you whatever, you can hear her!”

    And as look back now, I realize that I’ve been very fortunate with some of the women I’ve dated. Or been involved with. Whatever it’s called these days. But I was. I was very fortunate. Because, despite how it all came to pass, most of them were very patient and considerate about my disability. There were others, though, who would just give me the cold shoulder once they found out I am Hard-of-hearing. :roll:

    Hey, you’ve all heard me in “Hope Youse Guys…” Nothing wrong with my speech. Obviously. In fact, if I never said anything about my hearing loss, most of you wouldn’t even know I had one. :cool:

  • 4. gchyayles  |  May 6, 2008 at 9:19 pm

    WOW. Thank you so much for this post Michelle. God definitely humbled me in that area. I learned to lean on Him instead of my own instincts which were [sometimes still are :X] to respond, to fight back, to ‘return evil with evil’ Lord have mercy! It was no easy process and I’m sure Daddy was looking down at me like “Child when are you going to learn?” but I am a work in progress and just like anything else, it is taking time and experience for Him to get me to where I need to be.

    Tam: I’m so sorry you experienced that as a child. I have worked in domestic/sexual violence for 4 years and my favorite Aunt has been in an abusive marriage for over 10 years now so that issue is very close to my heart. I know victims [primary + secondary] of any kind of abuse have a natural instinct to fight back. I was sexually abused as a child by my cousin and I believe that’s where my idea of how to respond to “bad people” came from. Again, God had to work that out in me and still is but praise Him that it’s a workable issue–in all of us!

    NE: I just want you to know that I am so humbled by your life experiences and more specifically, by your response(s) to them. I praise God that you look at the blessing in all your situations no matter how rough they may have been/are. And yes, I agree, God does have a sense of humor!! I have learned to laugh with Him over the last two years 8-)

  • 5. Michelle  |  May 6, 2008 at 9:48 pm

    I took a long nap and woke up to heartfelt, vulnerable testimonies. It’s so good to have this way of communicating. Y’all have no idea what it means to me to have others who want to talk about their needs, struggles and victories…

    NorEaster, Have I told you lately that I ♥ you? Your stories have helped me to not feel so lonely and your outlook is inspiring. You do not sound like you have a hearing problem; you are right, if you hadn’t told us, we wouldn’t know.

    “But I’m convinced God has a sense of humor. Because it is only when I started to lose my hearing that I learned to LISTEN.”

    He does do that, doesn’t He? You’re making me think…

    Gchyayles, I’m glad you’re part of this little blogging community, you have much to share and yet you’re SO young!! ;)

    “A work in progress” - aren’t we all? It’s sad to know how much some of us have in common and that so much abuse is out there. One of many favorite passages:

    “Consider it pure joy my brother (sister) when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance, and let endurance have its perfect result so that you may be complete, lacking nothing.” ~James 1:2-4

    I know as kids we didn’t exactly see it this way, trials to help us grow up, but on this side of the cross, I better understand why we were allowed to go through such nonsense…

  • 6. gchyayles  |  May 6, 2008 at 9:54 pm

    Michelle: HUG! I love all of you and have been so blessed by your wisdom and love. In the absence of a real family in this season of my life, I am so blessed to be surrounded by God’s family :)

    I love that scripture too. I have no complaints or regrets about my life anymore. I used to ask “why” all the time before I came to know Jesus. I was praying to a god that didn’t exist and who did not have the answers I was looking for. Finding Christ has brought much peace in my life regarding the trials I went through as a child/teenager. And wow, have I found the new meaning to forgiveness since I studied the scripture [paraphrased] “Forgive others as I have forgiven you.” It took a long walk ‘n’ talk with God for me to get to that point in terms of forgiving my cousin [sort of like that moment in Narnia when Aslan is talking to Edmund at the top of the hill--yup that was me and Jesus many days when I still hadn't forgiven my cousin].

    *tear* I just love all of you. Thank you again for blessing my life.

  • 7. Michelle  |  May 6, 2008 at 10:12 pm

    Huggin’ and lovin’ you too, Gchyayles. :)

    Someday I would love to hear about praying to a god that didn’t exist. People are so confused about how to speak to God and if we don’t call Him by His rightful name, is He hearing us…

    Love the reference to Edmund - a long walk ‘n’ talk to get the point… ;)

  • 8. Darla  |  May 7, 2008 at 12:14 am

    I was a little freckle faced kid, and learned by fifth grade to fight and win..and learned that I was actually good at that..what a terrible thing to be good at! God has softened my heart since then, and now instead of fists, I fall before my God and know that HE wins the battles for me, so I do run right into HIM, sometimes burying my face in HIM…I have seen HIM win some fights for me, and also have learned that those are teaching times for me as well.

  • 9. comicphat  |  May 7, 2008 at 12:35 am

    This reminds me of a Petra song:

    “Get on your knees,
    and fight like a man!”

    And Jesus Loves me:

    Jesus loves me this I know,
    for the BIble tells me so,
    Little ones to Him belong,
    They are weak - but He is strong.

    Yes Jesus Loves me,
    Yes, Jesus Loves me
    Yes, Jesus Loves me.
    The Bible tells me so!

    It is when we are weak - when admit we are weak and get out of the way that Christ is strong in our lives. The one throne in the heart concept. If we choose to sit on our hearts throne, then Christ cannot because there is only room for one on the throne. (Hey there’s a blog in there somewhere)

    If Michelle will indulge me:

    If you want an unpublished second verse to the Jesus Loves Me song,
    Visit my site: http://blueeagletimes.wordpress.com

  • 10. Michelle  |  May 7, 2008 at 1:05 am

    ♥ ♥ ♥

    Love you, Phat, you are indulged!!!

    ♥ ♥ ♥

    Hey, Darla! What is it about the freckles? Running and letting Him do the fighting is so much nicer…hard sometimes…but nicer. Glad to see you around here again. ♥ U

  • 11. samwrites2  |  May 7, 2008 at 1:30 am

    Michelle,
    Hey, I’m running to God in retreat. It’s cool we had sort of the same theme going on at our blogs and I hadn’t read your’s yet today.
    Keep up the great writing. I’m reading even if I’m not saying much.
    -Sam

  • 12. SocietyVs  |  May 7, 2008 at 1:52 am

    “Do you believe He will fight for you? If you are in Him then you have been given covenant promises, and one of those promises is protection. He is your big brother. He is your friend. He is ready to protect you when the need arises. Do you know you can run to Him for help in the time of need?” (Michelle - that red haired kid)

    This is an interesting aspect - is trusting in God putting God ‘to the test’? As you say ‘we are given promises’ - is relying on those promises when they are needed (ie: security) - and in my life I rely now - am I putting God ‘to the test’ via my trust in such an idea (security)?

    I actually was quite dis-heartened today - but I thought ‘my hope is in God’…but it gets very tricky…I am hoping God will come through (for me and my wants/needs). It’s a confusing situation - but I will trust God either way!

  • 13. Michelle  |  May 7, 2008 at 3:39 am

    Hey, Sam, it is cool we were talking about the same thing, I kinda thought it was a God thing…I’m reading your’s too, but don’t always comment…love reading your thoughts. ;)

    Hey, Society! If trusting God is putting Him to the test, then in a sense I suppose we are to test Him. He did tell us to test His promise about tithing. He tells us to trust Him in everything and has made many promises to protect us. He is the Shepherd of His sheep, guiding and protecting us. He assures us He will supply all of our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus our Lord, that we are not to be anxious for He knows what we need.

    I would say God brought to your mind, He reminded you, that your hope is to be in Him. If you want to be encouraged, read through Philippians. It’s very helpful. I’m finishing up Hebrews now and have been struck again by the wonders of our God, how He has given us an amazing New Covenant with better promises…really cool.

    Take heart in Him - if He is for you then what can man do to you? (Hebrews 13:5-6) ;)

  • 14. 1godsgal  |  May 7, 2008 at 3:58 am

    Hi there. I’m a fighter…but learning more all the time to state the case, don’t argue, walk away and pray. I have no problem being there to back a friend, run interference if things get rough….but our fight is NOT against the flesh. THere is always something deeper. When I have my time with the Lord and He shows me something, it isn’t always met with welcoming arms. It used to bother me, but not anymore. The more I stand firm in His revelation, the more He blesses, the more He heals, the more He moves.
    My best friend, Laurie was a little red-headed freckle face. I’m a bit partial to them myself! Love you sweet girl!

  • 15. bransblahg  |  May 7, 2008 at 6:01 am

    Love this post Michelle! :D

    I’m a fighter when it comes to my kids and my family, but when it’s about me I do get defensive, but I internalize it instead of saying/doing anything. I tend to withdraw when it comes to defending myself, but go after my babies or my family and I’m roarin’. ;-)

    I do though need to learn to run in the way you speak of here. You have some great thoughts! I am so glad, once again, to “know” you. And believe me…. I know what you are talking about when you say “relentlessly tease tiny freckle faced redheads” ;-) Seriously. :lol:

  • 16. Born4Battle  |  May 7, 2008 at 10:46 am

    I’m reminded of a Kenny Rodgers tune here, but I won’t go there.

    I was listening to a John MacArthur teaching about the armor of God - the sword of the Spirit driving home from Bible study last night. One point he made wsas that ’sword OF the Spirit’ is more accurately thought of as the ’sword PROVIDED by the Spirit’. We don’t brandish the sword, but the Spirit of God wields the sword through us.

  • 17. mandythompson  |  May 7, 2008 at 5:32 pm

    oh i’m SUCH a chicken.
    i run…..

  • 18. lazrus2  |  May 7, 2008 at 6:48 pm

    Michelle,

    Could you email me? I tried to post a comment twice and it hasn’t shown up yet. I just had a devotional I read this morning that I wanted to share with you.
    You can decide if you want to share it with anyone else I guess(?). It could be related to your “Strengthening the Weak” post, which is where I tried to put it.

    Thanks,
    D-

  • 19. Michelle  |  May 7, 2008 at 8:17 pm

    Back from Bible Study…finishing up Hebrews…”run the race set before you, with your eyes fixed on Jesus…Let love of the brethren continue…Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good work to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever, amen.”

    I think that benediction is an outstanding reminder of who He is and what we’re to do through Him…

    Hey, Debs, you do a great job standing firm upon the truth you have learned…I love reading your insights. ;)

    Good afternoon, Brandy. I understand Mother Bear all too well…at least when we learn to run, we have a chance to calm down and think through what needs to be done/said…that’s what I’m learning. :)

    Hello, Mandy, :shock: Are you sure? You don’t seem to be a chicken…I would’ve guessed you were a Southern spit-fire. :D

    Sure Laz, I’ll get right on it…

    ‘K, it was eaten by the spam monster…should be showing now.

  • 20. Michelle  |  May 7, 2008 at 8:23 pm

    Hey, Dan. I didn’t see you there…”you gotta know when to walk away and know when to run…” That one? LOVE Kenny Rodgers!! :D

    So MacArthur is saying the Spirit will bring to mind what needs to be said/done/remembered…not that we are to use it (the Word) as a weapon to knock others down, or cut them up into tiny pieces? :shock:

    I’ve been in a few of those ugly encounters…if I’m hearing you correctly.

  • 21. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 8, 2008 at 1:36 am

    HAPPY @%TH BIRTHDAY RED!!!

    It’s been the 8th for 9 hours here already :-)

    I’ve sent you a present for your Glorious Day via email! :-)

    Mandy only talks tough - she folds faster than Superman on Laundry day. :-)

    <B

  • 22. Michelle  |  May 8, 2008 at 2:56 am

    Thanks, Love!!! Especially for not mentioning the number!!

    It must have been the do-rag that got me thinking Mandy was tough. :D

  • 23. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 8, 2008 at 3:57 am

    LOL! Mandy from Da ‘Hood ;-)

    I figured a lady would prefer to keep a little mystery on her Blog! ;-)

    Enjoy Tomorrow! :-)

    Make that: ‘Today’ lol

    <B

  • 24. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 8, 2008 at 7:58 am

    Stupid spell-check on my email program stoppped me sending the mail six hours ago - my bad! :-(

    <B

  • 25. Heather  |  May 8, 2008 at 1:57 pm

    Hi Michelle,

    Thanks for stopping by my blog :) I appreciate your kind words.

    I’m lovin’ this post. My girls and I put on the Armor of God every morning. We pretend to ‘physically’ put it on while reciting each piece. However, when it comes to my kids….I sure have a tendency to come out swinging. I am SUCH a mama bear when it comes to my kiddo’s. I’m sure you can relate :) God is slowly teaching me to let go, though. He is teaching me to run to Him and not rely on my razor sharp tongue (does He realize how many years I spent sharpening that tongue?:). I am relieved to know that He is there….waiting for me…..waiting to fight my battles…..giving me strength…..providing all that is necessary to defeat the enemy…..loving me endlessly. What a mighty God!

    Love and Blessings…..

  • 26. Heather  |  May 8, 2008 at 2:13 pm

    By the way……HAPPY BIRTHDAY :)

  • 27. Michelle  |  May 8, 2008 at 2:32 pm

    Thanks for the adorable gift, Love!! Made my morning. ;)

    Welcome, Heather. Razor sharp tongue? OH, do I know what you mean!!!

    “I am relieved to know that He is there….waiting for me…..waiting to fight my battles…..giving me strength…..providing all that is necessary to defeat the enemy…..loving me endlessly. What a mighty God! ”

    AMEN - wonderful words!!

    Thanks for the birthday wishes, y’all!! :D

  • 28. gchyayles  |  May 8, 2008 at 2:42 pm

    HAPPPPPPPPPYYYY BIRTHDAY MICHELLE!!
    Have a wonderful, holy-ghost-filled day!
    This is the day…this is the day…that the Lord has made…that the Lord has made…we will rejoice…we will rejoice…and be glad in it….and be glad in it!!
    Love you XO

  • 29. Michelle  |  May 8, 2008 at 3:20 pm

    Thanks, Gchyayles…I’ve never thought about that song as a birthday song…very :cool: !

    If y’all are interested…The NorEaster gave me an online gift the other day. I mention it because he is amazingly thoughtful and y’all need to know what a wonderful friend he is…and…because his laugh is so cute…he could easily be a little brother, note the reddish hair!!!

  • 30. tam  |  May 8, 2008 at 3:48 pm

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUUUU!!!!!!!

    Celebrate to day girl! What a beautiful day.

    This day, x amount of years ago, God gifted us with you. He knew we would glean from you and learn from you. he knew He would be able to use you in our lives!!!

    thank you Lord for Michelle and her life!!!

    Thank you!!!

  • 31. gothiquefae  |  May 8, 2008 at 4:37 pm

    Hey Michelle,

    Well first of all hippo birdies (or in normal person speak, happy birthday)!

    Anyway about the post I just wanted to share this scripture with you all:
    “The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness-” Jeremiah 31:2

    I don’t know exactly why but it seemed relevant to me, unfortunately I am on the other side of the fence, so to speak, from you guys. I have needed to learn how to fight (with God at my side, always). See I’ve needed to learn how to fight because I used to just run, not towards God, just away and in doing so I realized I was actually harming myself, I was letting others walk all over me and it wasn’t pretty. So I am happy for you guys and I hope that one day I will be where you are at but for now I am glad that I am learning how to fight and stand up for myself with God right there leading me and holding me back when necessary.

    So yeah, just thought I’d pitch in my two cents. And one last thing, I am so very glad that I found this blog and all of you, I cannot tell you how much it has helped over the last few months to have that Light shining from all of you (that includes you, Michelle). So thank you.

    G

  • 32. ric booth  |  May 8, 2008 at 5:41 pm

    Happy Birthday Michelle!
    And congratulations on completing yet another trip around the sun!

    And thanks for this post. I always lacked the brawn for actual fight so flight seemed inevitable until I discovered WORDS. I learned how to use words to my own advantage. I could make just about anyone feel intimidated or small. I could also use words to get what I want. After being saved this thing for words took on new meaning.

  • 33. Michelle  |  May 8, 2008 at 6:16 pm

    Thank you all!!! Wow, Tam, thanks for the blessing… :oops:

    Gothique Fae: I appreciate your comment and understand what you’re saying, “I am glad that I am learning how to fight and stand up for myself with God right there leading me and holding me back when necessary.” I find the key to your words in the last phrases…with God right there leading and holding back…He is faithful in that way.

    You’ve been a light to me as well. Your stories hit a very vulnerable place in me. ;)

    Yeah, Ric, my fighting was with words too…but I guess you read that already…letting the Spirit take control of our mouths is a hard struggle for me. I love the James verse, “be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” It’s convicting.

  • 34. bransblahg  |  May 8, 2008 at 10:03 pm

    It’s your birthday?!?! WHEN DID I MISS THIS?!?!?! :shock:

    Well HAPPY BIRTHDAY! :D We should throw Michelle a bloggy birthday party! :D Everyone, here tonight for a comment ho-down! :lol: :lol: :lol: HAHA!!

  • 35. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 1:12 am

    yay!!! I’m in!!!

  • 36. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 1:26 am

    Me, three!!! :smile:

  • 37. ric booth  |  May 9, 2008 at 1:29 am

    let see if this works…

  • 38. ric booth  |  May 9, 2008 at 1:34 am

    ok, well posting a birthday cake is proving a little difficult.

    Happy Birthday to you…

  • 39. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 2:19 am

    happy birthday to you….

    (Next line after mine and Rics people… ;)

  • 40. gchyayles  |  May 9, 2008 at 2:40 am

    HAPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE BIRTHDAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY [yes I do know how to spell hehe the eeeees somehow create a more dramatic effect!!!]

  • 41. gchyayles  |  May 9, 2008 at 2:40 am

    Happy birthday dear Michelle……

  • 42. gchyayles  |  May 9, 2008 at 2:41 am

    [sorry I was a lil slow catchin on right there *sheepish look*]

  • 43. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 2:58 am

    What’s a comment ho-down without some love? :-)

    Happy Birthday again ‘Sis ♥ ♥ ♥

  • 44. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 2:59 am

    Lemme Guess - ‘Chelle is enjoying her B’Day with her family and non-blog friends now huh? :-/

  • 45. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:00 am

    That’s so cool 8)

  • 46. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:00 am

    we can wait……. :-)

  • 47. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:01 am

    Comment take-HOver :-))) all five pics are Mine! :-)

  • 48. Michelle  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:09 am

    When did this happen??? I had to see Grey’s Anatomy and Lost - Don’t y’all ever watch TV!!!!!!!!!!!!

    HAHAHA :lol:

  • 49. Michelle  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:10 am

    Did I miss out on my own party :(

  • 50. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:12 am

    SURPRI-ISE! - ok we suck! ;-)

  • 51. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:13 am

    So -you’re a tv junkie too huh?

  • 52. Michelle  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:15 am

    Hey, Bro’!

    I’m not cool enough to pull that off…let me try again:

    Hey, Love, Big Brother!! :lol:

  • 53. Michelle  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:16 am

    Only Thursday nites…Smallville, Grey’s and Lost…LOVE THEM!! :lol:

  • 54. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:19 am

    lol - you WAY cool Sis :-)

    you’re allowed one day a week ‘off’ - it’s in Genesis! :-)

  • 55. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:19 am

    and please - TV has completely ruined the phrase ‘Big Brother’ for me! ;-)

  • 56. Michelle  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:20 am

    I wasn’t exactly spending it worshipping…

    Thank you for that wonderful email…it warmed my heart!

  • 57. Michelle  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:20 am

    Oh, I never watch that show…

  • 58. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:21 am

    Our Aussie version ( that i avoid like the Plague now ahs the catch phrase in their ads ‘I Don’t Think So’.

    That is ironically perfect from my perspective - Big Brother? I Don’t Think So! :-)

  • 59. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:22 am

    hey birthday girl!!!

    how was your day?

  • 60. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:22 am

    Ahhh the Day off is supposed to be spent glorifying Him isn’t it?

    Oopsie :oops:

  • 61. Michelle  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:22 am

    I think I saw one episode and hated it - I can’t believe it’s made it so long…

    Did you spend time at the beach yet - oh, your day is just starting isn’t it?

  • 62. Michelle  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:23 am

    Hey, Tam!

    Y’all have made it a wonderful day - I didn’t expect any of this - y’all are great!!

    Thanks for the email…

  • 63. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:24 am

    Hope you had a WONDERFUL BURF-DAY, MICHELLE!!! :smile:

  • 64. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:24 am

    TAMMMM

    Which reminds me - SIS!!! <>

    and you are quite welcome for the words and thought and prayer. of course :-)

  • 65. Michelle  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:24 am

    It was grand!! Spent it in the yard which is one of my loves!!

    Thanks Nor!

  • 66. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:25 am

    HEY - who stole my sis’s ???

  • 67. Michelle  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:25 am

    Are you at work now, NorEaster?

  • 68. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:26 am

    ok why can’t i hug Sis and Tam here?????

  • 69. Michelle  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:26 am

    Tam has too many blogs to keep up with everyone - I’ve got to get that multi-page thing down…

  • 70. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:27 am

    fourth time lucky?? { GROUP HUGGGG }

  • 71. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:29 am

    group hugg!!!!! im in!!!

  • 72. Michelle  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:30 am

    Love, that picture of you freaked me out…you and I could have been twins!

    I always wanted a Big Brother to protect me…I had Jesus…but one in the flesh would have been nice from time to time… ;)

  • 73. Michelle  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:31 am

    Tam, Brandy, Love, NorEaster, Gchyayles and Ric:

    Amazing - group hug!!!

    oxoxoxoxoxo

    ♥ ♥ ♥

  • 74. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:32 am

    Me? Nah. Just working on another post. Which I hope to post soon. Sunday or Monday. Or maybe next week. Depends on when I’m finally happy with it.

    But, oboy, is this one gonna be a doozy!

  • 75. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:32 am

    i had big brothers. thy smell. break your arm. hit youin the face with a b-ball bat and wipe boogers on you. they’re not all what they’re cracked up to be.

  • 76. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:32 am

    Group Hug!!! I’m in!!!

    ((((((BloggingBuddies))))))) ;)

  • 77. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:33 am

    Being what i thought was an Only Child taight me an ‘independence but i really wanted someone to share with - and i would SO have been protective of my ‘lil Sis’ :-)

    Jesus is all the protection we ever need though - if we live in Spirit :-)

    But i hear you - sometimes it would be nice to have him sit next to us instead of always inside of us.

  • 78. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:33 am

    One o’ these ol’ days I’ll have to tell you about MY big brother, Tam.

  • 79. Michelle  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:34 am

    TAM!! I’m sure Love would NEVER be that way!! :lol:

    Nor, have you found a new toy?? Will we ever get another serious post out of you, or is this one going to be deep?

  • 80. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:35 am

    Wow Tam? with (friends) brothers like that…..

    Would i really have done that to my Sis??? :shock:

  • 81. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:37 am

    Yes ‘Chelle - lets all believe love would NEVER do that to those he loves :-) ;-) :-)

  • 82. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:37 am

    NO not YOU Love!!!!

  • 83. Michelle  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:37 am

    Was he tough, Nor? :(

    Just think, Love, if you believe in a literal heaven, which I DO, we’ll get to sit with Him some day…

  • 84. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:39 am

    But this is Chelle’s Party so I’ll stop talking about me - what do you all think about me ?? :-) :lol:

  • 85. Michelle  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:39 am

    :lol: Do you know something about Love I haven’t learned yet, Tam?

    I thought he was just a sweet comfy teddy bear with an Aussie accent…

  • 86. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:40 am

    our time here is ’short’ - a mere hundred years or so if we do it ‘right’ Then the Party REALLY can get started :-)

  • 87. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:41 am

    hahaha!!! well….

    occasionally he likes to instigate…in LOVE of course!

    BUT - if there’s one person who will come to your rescue - it’s Love!

  • 88. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:42 am

    i have a deep side too - but hopefully not a dark one! :-)

  • 89. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:42 am

    Michelle:

    I actually have one written already. A serious post. But, like I always do, I want to wait on it for a few more days before publishing it. Ideas always come to me a few days after I’m done writing that I want to add.

    And the other one I’m working is…complicated and controversial. Serious, too. I may even lose friends over this one. :cry:

  • 90. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:42 am

    do you think God is watching us shaking His Holy Head thinking ‘OH MY… ‘ME’ I better build them their own wing in Heaven!”

  • 91. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:42 am

    This is crazy! Youse guys are going like a rocket tonight. I can’t keep up!

  • 92. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:43 am

    “OH MY…ME…”

    Ah ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!

  • 93. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:43 am

    lil ol instigator me - you know that’s just between you and Miss Mandy-pants huh? Tam :-)

    NE’er are you still with us? or trying to get a word in edge-wise ? lol

  • 94. Michelle  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:44 am

    Good to know that he’ll come to your rescue…with Love and NorEaster, I’m feeling a bit more secure these days… ;)

    We are just a vapor, kind of comes to light as the years pass by…

    I wonder, often, what will be the reality…

  • 95. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:44 am

    Just trying to get an edge in word-wise!!!

  • 96. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:45 am

    Hey, who wouldn’t be secure with LOVE???

    Now, a nor’easter on the other hand…

  • 97. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:45 am

    Dag burnit!

    I called him “LOVE!”

    And I swore I would never do that!!

  • 98. Michelle  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:46 am

    You’re there, Nor, I thought you went back to writing…

    Yes, they’re very quick, usually keep me talking to myself for a while…I hit refresh and the convo has moved on…

    Lose friends??? Not REAL ones…

  • 99. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:46 am

    Hey, cool! I got three comments in a row! Life’s good!

  • 100. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:46 am

    NE’er would not be an ‘ill-wind’ - Surely? :-)

  • 101. Michelle  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:47 am

    We all break down, eventually, now I just think it’s his name…it suits him. ;)

  • 102. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:47 am

    I got the 100!! I got the 100!! I got the 100!!!

    [I hope not!]

  • 103. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:47 am

    LOVE - he called me love! - i get to everyone sooner or later ( sooner is best :-) )

  • 104. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:47 am

    Ah ha ha ha ha, LOVE.

    Me? An ill-wind? NAH!!!

  • 105. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:48 am

    Yes Love, I know…you keep us on our toes!

  • 106. Michelle  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:48 am

    Never an ill wind - a soothing breeze it more like it…he says it’s all about storms but I have only felt cool fresh breezes from him…

  • 107. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:48 am

    Well, I’m a tough guy. So be lucky you got me at all!

  • 108. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:49 am

    NE - it’s ok. We used to call him “Thinker”

  • 109. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:49 am

    There’s Tam! “Hi, Tam!” **waves**

  • 110. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:49 am

    it is a constant reminder for me to try to live in Him - and i thank you all for ‘participating’ in my hopefully humble reminder!

  • 111. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:49 am

    in fact. Love, you’re still Thinker on my blogroll. I should change that

  • 112. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:49 am

    I think “Love” works better for Love.

  • 113. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:50 am

    For the reason he mentioned in 111.

  • 114. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:50 am

    *waves back to NE* and blows a kiss

  • 115. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:50 am

    Thanks for feeling the cool breezes, Michelle.

    I kind of like the sunrises myself. ;)

  • 116. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:51 am

    I agree NE!!!

  • 117. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:51 am

    Thinker - that’s how i am on your constantly updated blog-roll Tam! ;-)

    I am happy way down the bottom there - it reminds me of when we ‘met’ :-)

    Mah Rutz! ;-)

  • 118. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:51 am

    So Michelle. Did you get that chair?

  • 119. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:52 am

    :oops: A kiss from Tam! :oops: My innocent self is so embarrassed! :oops:

  • 120. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:52 am

    Do you think I should change it? Cuz I will if you want. We can come up with a totally different name!

  • 121. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:52 am

    SO Sis - did you get some cake for your $&th B’Day? :-0

  • 122. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:53 am

    NE - hahahahahahahaa!

  • 123. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:53 am

    Yeah. Where’d she go?

  • 124. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:53 am

    Tam: ;)

  • 125. Michelle  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:54 am

    Thinker, huh? Yeah, that fits…he always makes me think.

    NE’er did you see my compliment for you?

    Love, a sweet, comfy THINKING teddy bear…

    NE’er, a soothing gentle breeze…

    Tam, a funny thoughtful wise sister…

    Y’all are great.

    Phat is sleeping next to me, Foxnews is blaring and I’m falling behind…my fingers are slowing down…

    I might not last much longer…

  • 126. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:54 am

    meeeeeeeesheeeeeeeell-ell

  • 127. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:54 am

    Michelle:

    Yeah. I got it. Thanks. :smile:

    You are getting….very…..ssssleeeppy…

  • 128. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:54 am

    oh gee - there you are!

    swift!

  • 129. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:55 am

    I’m happy with it Tam - Truly :-)

    Ne’er - Tam has a special way of slipping her sweet way completely inside your heart - at least she does with me - Just watch out if she starts twirling her hair round her finger! :-)

    Or batting her eyelids ;-)

  • 130. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:55 am

    But when midnight comes, I’ve got to turn into a pumpkin myself.

  • 131. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:56 am

    Thanks for the…um…the warning, Love. I’ll have to watch out for those eyelids. And just about everything else since I DID chop down her family tree. :eek:

  • 132. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:56 am

    I like funny and wise and thoughtful.

    that made me smile Shell :)

    So…what did you get for your b-day?

  • 133. Michelle  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:56 am

    It’s not midnight yet?? Only 4 minutes…

  • 134. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:56 am

    She might have dozed off…

  • 135. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:57 am

    Nope. Not yet. 3 minutes to go.

  • 136. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:57 am

    Yes NE - i haven’t forgotten the tree incident either :?

    Love - only for you!

  • 137. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:57 am

    WE understand your poor body cant keep up with your super-active mind Sis - Glad we got to have our party with you! XOXOXOX

    Love you :-)

  • 138. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:58 am

    Are “youse guys” going to get me back on MTTUVTV…??? :???:

  • 139. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:59 am

    Yeah. Nighty night, Michelle! ;)

    Sam is already sleeping, but he asked about you earlier. I played your secret video for him again. ;) He thinks he’s famous now!

  • 140. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 3:59 am

    Awwww Tam - does this mean whasisname is out of the picture??? ;-)
    the one with the Leprosy? :mrgreen:

  • 141. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 4:00 am

    NE - hmmmm…uuuuhhh….let’s see….well……maybe if……

    i’ll never tell

  • 142. Michelle  |  May 9, 2008 at 4:00 am

    I received a bouquet of flowers, omelette for breakfast, served in bed…

    After dinner we had a variety of cheesecakes and yes, I did get my chair…

    NE’er sang to me on his site - AMAZING…

    Love sent me a picture of him at 8 - ADORABLE…

    You (Tam) sent me a blessing via email - UPLIFTING…

    And so many well-wishers - I feel LOVED!!!

    It’s been an amazing day, Thanks!!!!!!!!

  • 143. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 4:00 am

    Tam:

    I knew you were going to say that! But you’ve got to remember…I’ve got sick sense! So I’m onto you!

  • 144. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 4:01 am

    Michelle we DO love you!!!! You have so quickly found a home in all our hearts!

    You are lovely through and through!!

  • 145. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 4:01 am

    Hey, you never told me about your chair, Michelle! I feel so left out now… :(

  • 146. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 4:01 am

    Now that sounds like a Blessed Day all round :-D

    You Deserve it ‘Chelle :-)

  • 147. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 4:02 am

    Yeah. She sure is, isn’t she? And I’m so glad you had a good, Michelle…

    …even though I can’t sing, I’m camera shy, and Sam stole the show!

  • 148. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 4:02 am

    “whasisname”

    hmmmmm.. who??? ;)

  • 149. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 4:03 am

    good day**

    DAHR!!!

  • 150. Michelle  |  May 9, 2008 at 4:04 am

    Sorry, Nor, you’ve been busy today…

    Night y’all - stay up and talk as much as you like - I’ll try to read it in the morning, if I can make any sense out of it.

    Won’t heaven be great when we’ll get to see eachother face-to-face!!

    Hugs again and ♥ Y’all!!!

  • 151. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 4:04 am

    And that private screening is still password protected. But it sure surprised you, didn’t it? :smile:

  • 152. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 4:04 am

    (((((Michelle)))))))

  • 153. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 4:05 am

    And I’ve been a pumpkin for the past 4 minutes so before I get carved up…

    [Exit. Stage Left.]

  • 154. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 4:05 am

    LOL @ TJ :-)

    So do we wish you a sweet Good Night Sis? - it’s ok we can kep the party going - we’ll just turn the ’sound’ down - NE’er can live withthat i’m sure :-)

  • 155. TheNorEaster  |  May 9, 2008 at 4:07 am

    :smile: I sure can, Love. Heck, you could turn the sound UP and…

    …Ah!! It’s Mr. Glove with a knife! He’s going to carve me up if I don’t get…

    [Out of here.]

  • 156. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 4:07 am

    alone again Tam - People will begin to talk! :-)

    Good Job Whasisname is not the jealus type :-)

    Night Sis! ♥ :-)

  • 157. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 4:07 am

    Night Ne’er - hope that puppet don’t getcha! :-)

  • 158. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 4:14 am

    Alone?

    uh-oh!

  • 159. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 4:18 am

    Nighty Nite Michelle.

    I love you sis!

    You are priceless and precious!

    Thank you for being you…

  • 160. inWorship  |  May 9, 2008 at 4:24 am

    Hey Michelle, I am late to the party, but I like to make an entrance :)

    Happy Birthday!!!!

  • 161. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 4:24 am

    :?

  • 162. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 4:28 am

    Who’s the new guy? ;-)

  • 163. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 4:30 am

    uuuuuu….there’s whasisname

  • 164. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 4:39 am

    :lol:

    G’Day Whasi.. Brent :-)

  • 165. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 4:40 am

    oops! *Brent*

  • 166. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 4:46 am

    HAHAHA!!!

  • 167. inWorship  |  May 9, 2008 at 5:14 am

    Hmmmm…

    I feel so loved around here :)

    But since it’s Michelle’s day, I will ignore it and just focus on her :)

  • 168. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 5:18 am

    oh. hey Dear! :shock:

  • 169. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 5:33 am

    Tam has taught me the importance of not competing for someone’s love…

    Now i just have to learn how to ’share’ :-)

    Love you Whasisn Brent. :-)

    I could get the hang of it - in time :-)

    <B

  • 170. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 5:36 am

    There’s enough Love to go around ;)

  • 171. inWorship  |  May 9, 2008 at 5:37 am

    Yes, but is there enough tam….

  • 172. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 5:44 am

    :shock:

  • 173. inWorship  |  May 9, 2008 at 5:46 am

    And I did not just call you fat…

  • 174. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 5:49 am

    Love just Grows as it moves from Heart to Heart…

    Jesus knew He would not always be here and selected 13 Disciples (one whose end was foreseen) to ensure He Continued forever with mankind.

    Tam - you need some disciples! How about the Side-kick? you know - the Young’un over east? ;-)

    <B

  • 175. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 5:52 am

    Yes…Side Kick shall be her new name.

    oh - you’re on to something….

  • 176. tam  |  May 9, 2008 at 5:58 am

    what was that?

    my pillow?

    yes. i hear you.

    i’m coming……

  • 177. lovewillbringustogether  |  May 9, 2008 at 6:44 am

    Some might think i’m just ‘on’ something! ;-)

    love is the drug for ME :-) ( Anyone old enough to remember THAT song?)

    ‘Night Tam, Vinny. ‘Morning Sis ♥

    <B

  • 178. Kelly  |  May 9, 2008 at 11:13 am

    gothiquefae….”“The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness-” Jeremiah 31:2″

    I SOOOOO needed that!!! Thank you!!
    Michelle, I’m only on comment 32, working my way down, then I’ll have more to say ;)

  • 179. Kelly  |  May 9, 2008 at 11:59 am

    Wow! I missed a whole party last night! Happy Birthday a day late, Michelle :)

    Runner or fighter? Hmmm. Growing up, in school, I was such a fighter. Kicked out of school on a regular basis for being such a fighter!

    Perhaps taught by my big brothers??

    “I had big brothers. thy smell. break your arm. hit youin the face with a b-ball bat and wipe boogers on you. they’re not all what they’re cracked up to be.”

    Um, Tam, perhaps we had the same big brothers?? I’m thinking so.

    Fighter until I gave my life to Jesus, then runner to Him. But also, runner away from Him. Oftentimes I find myself neither fighting nor running to Him, but lost somewhere in never never land hiding away from it all. I’m learning though. One day at a time. One opportunity at a time.

    There was one time recently though that I did stand up and “fight” for myself, instead of letting God be my defender. In ministry, there is almost always opportunity to defend yourself, or allow God. by the grace of God, I will never do that again. It allowed anger like a venom to come dwell in my heart….and took some time to get it out!

    Just yesterday though, God spoke to me about another reason I run, but not to Him. Disappointment. Have to go allow Him to unearth that in me today…but it was so good to hear from Him concerning that!

    Michelle, thank you for being a treasure full of the Word. I love how the Word of God just flows from you in every situation. It makes me even more hungry to feast there daily.

  • 180. Michelle  |  May 9, 2008 at 1:34 pm

    Well THAT was fun!!

    Thanks, Brent (I would NEVER call you whatisname) for the joining the party with a timely entrance. :lol:

    Good morning, Kelly, I’m glad you came over…

    “Oftentimes I find myself neither fighting nor running to Him, but lost somewhere in never never land hiding away from it all.”

    I can see how this might be easier in the short term, but I’ve found He continues to bring things up until we are willing to work them out. I’m not a stranger to Christian counseling and have gleaned much insight from time spent “on the couch”. Yet with all of that help, I gain the most from time in the Word…it is the balm of Gilead…it is the water that washes us clean…it is the sword which cuts to the depth of marrow and sinews…it is the guide for our paths.

    I’ll be praying for you, Kelly, that you will cease hiding and come into the light. You are beautiful…fearfully and wonderfully made! ;)

  • 181. Michelle  |  May 9, 2008 at 1:47 pm

    Reading back through here, maybe I’m g