So this chapter… it didn’t jump out at me. I have a VERY SIMPLE mind. I never questioned that a miracle is anything but miraculous. If I’m going to believe that God can create the world, how can I not believe anything else? Water to wine, miraculous healing, raising from the dead… miracles are miraculous. I always left it at that. Then I read this chapter. I must admit at first glance I was sort of blowing it off. I was using my simple mind as a crutch. I am not a scientific thinker. This is not something I have a problem with or wrestle with on a daily basis. In the past when I’ve entered into a discussion with someone who is having a problem reconciling science and the Bible, I point them to Lee Strobel’s book, The Case for Christ and move on about my day. I’m finding that maybe these are things that I need to reconsider.

I was lucky blessed to grow up thick in the middle of the Bible belt. I attended public school. Maybe it’s because I was out of school for so long, but in my science classes, if the Big Bang theory was considered I also hear, “Who knows how God works?” Evolution was taught but I never remember questioning if God created the world. The most I ever remember questioning was how the timeline worked with dinosaurs and life spans and how all the years add up. I think I chalked it all up to God is bigger than me, how can my feeble mind understand? After reading this chapter I realize I might need to be a bit more diligent with my faith for when my kids come to me with these questions. 

I also remember several years ago taking my kids to the Virginia Aquarium in Virginia Beach. We went all the time when Arleigh and Hanan were little. On one trip, we were there with a dear friend and her granddaughters. As we walked around, her granddaughters were old enough to read EVERYTHING. Mine weren’t old enough yet. I remember her reading one plaque that showed a certain evolutionary process and she was horrified. As a former teacher she couldn’t accept this theory printed as fact on the wall. Sadly, at the time I couldn’t understand why she was so worked up. I think I always just had this mindset, maybe it happened that way. I don’t know how God works. Now I understand that she saw this as flying in the face of everything that the Bible teaches. I pray for her wisdom. 

The thing I most appreciated about this chapter, Stefanie mentions in her summary. I’m choosing to save some time and just copy this from her summary.

But most important is what this text tells us about the purpose of Jesus’ miracles. “They lead not simply to cognitive belief, but to worship, to awe and wonder. Jesus’s miracles in particular were never magic tricks, designed only to impress and coerce… Instead he used miraculous power to heal the sick, feed the hungry, and raise the dead. Why? We modern people think of miracles as the suspension of natural order, but Jesus meant them to be the restoration of the natural order,” Keller says. (p.99) “The Bible tells us that God did not originally make the world to have disease, hunger, and death in it. Jesus has come to redeem where it is wrong and heal the world where it is broken. His miarcles are not just proofs that he has power but also wonderful foretastes of what he is going to do with that power. Jesus’s miracles are not just a challenge to all our minds, but a promise to our hearts, that the world we all want is coming.” (p.99) 

I think this is something I’ve always knows but never stopped to really contemplate. We all know that Jesus worked miracles. How often do we stop and consider the why behind the miracle? I love the perspective that instead of a “suspension” of natural order, a miracle is a “restoration” of natural order. I started this chapter thinking it would be an easy peasy skim since clearly, I have no problem believing that the Bible is not a scientific reference book but instead a guide God sent for us. I finished it convicted that this is something to contemplate more often. 

Backing up a bit in the chapter, Keller lays out something that often think is very true. Again, I’m going to copy Stefanie’s summary.

“Alister McGrath, a theologian with an Oxford doctorate in biophysics, writes that most of the many unbelieving scientists he knows are atheists on other grounds than their science.” (p.93) One of the other reasons, a leading sociologist notes, is our relationship with fellow humans, Keller says. “Scientists, like non-scientists, are very affected by the beliefs and attitudes of the people from whom they want respect.” (p.95) Peer pressure rather than science is influencing beliefs. 

Peer pressure is influencing our beliefs everywhere. I think back to the last chapter… and the next chapter. I think as humans we want to be the cool kids. We want to be accepted. We don’t want to be politically incorrect. We move to the justification of well, everything. We crave acceptance and respect on so many fronts that we are folding on what we know is true. It’s sad really.

Stefanie’s question this week:

Question: Has the seeming incompatibility between science and the Bible been a hindrance to you in your faith? And if so, has anything in this chapter changed that perspective? 

I never saw the incompatibility between science at the Bible as a hindrance to my faith. Then I read this chapter. I realized that I was refusing to consider it. Just because I refused to consider it doesn’t mean that I had total faith. To have faith, you must give the subject consideration and choose to believe. 

For more about this chapter visit Ni Hao Y’all by clicking the button…

I’ve mentioned Miss Momoko before. She teaches the girls piano. Several people from my neighborhood have recently voiced the suspicion that she might be a spy. All kidding aside, I’m going with secret agent considering she speaks like 13 languages, plays multiple instruments and jaunts off to foreign lands to compete in competitions at the drop of a hat. I’m also the person who dreams of a secret identity so believe you know whatever.

We get to Chinatown and one member in our party of four sees seafood in the sign. That’s when she tells us that she is allergic to seafood…and soy…as in soy sauce. We were in Chinatown for heaven’s sake! It was a bloody wonder that she hasn’t already broken out into hives!

We walk into a room, sit down at a big table and start to sample. It was all quite delicious and shockingly enough my chopstick skills were not the worst at the table. That’s when it happened…my China PTSD kicked in. Miss Momoko ordered the chicken feet!

We also hit a bakery with green tea donuts. I found the maple bacon option slightly more appealing. I was also surprised to see that spam wasn’t involved.

Here’s to my next adventure with Miss Momoko. If nothing else, I know there will be blog material!

Dad taught me how to drive, mostly like a bat out of hell and even more aggressively when I’m irritated. As a teenager someone really should have put me in the demolition derby. We could have earned some money! I grew up on country roads jumping hills. (Sorry mom.) I would like to think I’m a pretty good defensive driver and I used to be decent at maneuvering. (Old age is creeping in.) I moved from two lane roads to hello Virginia traffic. I would have frozen and never gone anywhere if it weren’t for Dad teaching me to drive like a maniac just like the rest of the city folk. 

I learned perseverance from my Dad. No matter what his job situation was, or health situation was, he never gave up. No matter how miserable he was, he trudged on through. I never knew how remarkable that was until I hit adulthood and particularly, parenthood. One of the stories about Dad that I remember most happened when Ray and I first got married, we moved to Virginia Beach. Ray had to head to Rhode Island for 6 weeks. It snowed buckets every weekend. I started a new job and had to learn to drive in 6 lane traffic. I knew one person in that town. One night, I was closing the office, I went outside to realize I had left the lights on in my car. Ooops. It was Friday night. The marketing director who was not always a particularly nice person was closing up shop with me. I asked if she could swing me by my house, one exit away. She was let’s call it irritated at the thought of having to help the poor defenseless child. I called the one other person I knew. This was pre cell phone. I couldn’t get him on the phone. Thankfully the marketing director found her last little bit of compassion before I called a cab. I had no cash in my wallet. She made a point to tell me how she was late for a party and I was really putting her out the entire way home. Ray was in a spot where I couldn’t just call him up. This was cherry on top of a particularly hard three weeks, I knew I was barely half way done.  I called Dad. I told him I didn’t think I could be in the big city so far from home by myself. If I had called anyone else, they probably would have been in a car on the way to Virginia. Dad said, “I love you. You’re a married woman. Time to act like it.” Best advice anyone ever gave me. I dusted myself off finally got my buddy to help me jump the car and made it through that 6 weeks. 

Dad taught me how to laugh and how to laugh at myself. Dad loved a good joke and was (almost always) a good sport. I remember him helping put on a Hee Haw skit at the school when I was little. I was shocked and so proud to see my dad on stage. He laughed about his middle name, laughed when his buddies called him Chico and generally had a good time. There was one time that took him a bit to laugh at though. The year he turned 40, I went up to a local florist and anonymously sent some black roses and a black balloon. He was so mad that no one he worked with would fess up to sending them. He was a bit shocked when after dinner I admitted it was me. He was pretty irritated. I guess he’s acted like an ass for a bit at work. Eventually we laughed about it together.

Other things Dad taught me, compassion, loyalty above all else and honor. He taught me that once I committed to something, I had to follow through. He was there for us when most other Dad’s weren’t. He coached Tye’s baseball team, played basketball with us until we couldn’t see the hoop anymore, had us washing cars and cutting the lawn together. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows. If Wayne Jackson was mad, there was no one on the planet who could make you feel worse by not saying a word. When we needed him, he was there. Dad taught me to not be afraid to jump off the high dive. He taught me to try new things even if I thought they were hard. 

Dad was great. I wish I had a couple of more decades to tell him how great he was. If your Dad is still around, make sure you tell him how great he is and don’t just do it on Father’s Day…do it every day. I wish I could. 

So, what to do… google reader is going away. I have no idea how many people have this thing emailed to them. I guess I need to ask my IT guy. It made me wonder if I need to set up an Okkar Lif Facebook page. This makes me feel like I’m in middle school begging people to like me so I’m thinking no. 

If you read this blog, you must read other. What are you using for your feed? Some one recommended blog lovin’. Holy toledo, I’m pushing this to the last second. I don’t want to lose all those blogs I read. So many people aren’t blogging anymore I might need to weed through them. What if they decide to come back and I don’t know? I’ll be left out. See… I turn into an insecure middle schooler. I can’t imagine what it would have been like to deal with Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest and all askfm and all the other junk in middle school. I have a headache.

So please make my day… tell me what you’re using. Tell me what’s easiest for you. Tell me anything!

That was my view of Bria in the back of the Jeep with Tucker last night. We were on our way home from dog beach. Ray met us there, so obviously two cars. Before I knew what happened Bria had grabbed her booster seat was up and over the lifted tire sitting back there. She scares me.

We recently had a few conversations about what she wants to be when she grows up. This morning she told me that maybe she would be a dancer… on a train. (Too much Disney Jr. anyone?) At least it wasn’t on a pole. She scares me.

Another early morning conversation started with, “Mom, can I wait to date until I’m a teenager?” Heaven help me! She scares me!

She scares me but I love her to death. She sure keeps me on my toes and makes things interesting.

So on the dog days of summer we play with the dog…

I try not to think about how many dogs may have accomplished the three pees in the water my children are playing in… you know, pee, poop and puke. I’m sure that shallow water is pretty nasty but it seems to be pushed around enough to dissipate the nasty a bit. At least that’s what I tell myself.

I throw sticks and see which of my five children will get to it first. What? If it’s good enough to wear Tucker out surely it can wear my ragamuffins out. Why is it that I had to physically roust Jack from bed on school mornings but now that we can sleep he gets up at 5:45? He no longer lays in his bed either. He wanders from room to room until he knows the entire house is awake. I have to run them through the water to get some sleep!

Then there’s Arleigh… No bathing suit. Too cool to run and play until everyone gets way out. I don’t know if she was more afraid of crabs or reef sharks but eventually even the “almost a teen” was running through the water laughing.

It’s a good night to be a dog or a Stiff or a Stiff dog us Hawaii.

Grandma was delivered to Kentucky yesterday and we initiated Operation Clean The Darn House. Hanan was helping Jack in his room. I heard Jack yell then Hanan squeal. Sometimes this is an excellent sign and sometimes this is a reason to hide. I chose option wait and see what happens. Jack came running into my bedroom pleased as punch. Green Car had not in fact been buried at sea but was buried under a pile of crap in Jack’s room. Finding one little green car and reuniting it with blue car was very exciting for one little boy.

Things are always interesting with Jack’s “Toys.” At some point, he’ll probably ask me to not share quite so much. I hope he grows up with his mother’s sense of humor. (I’ll be happy to share the story of my zipping my giant five-year old belly in a jumpsuit…you’ll see where I’m going with this.) Grandma’s last day here included a trip to Hickam Beach. 

(Yeah, I just feel like being cruel. This isn’t even my favorite beach.)

Jack was wearing a new swimsuit. He was doing the potty dance, you know the one. We’re trying to make him speak more and the bathroom was close and we were at the beach…so I was waiting him out. He finally said, “Mama, potty!” and we were off. We get to the bathroom and he was having a bit of a personal problem. I still don’t know how it happened but he had a very UNCOMFORTABLE wardrobe malfunction. Like something was attached to an article of clothing uncomfortable. I’m a girl. I can totally deal with girl bits. I am not a boy. Boy bits are not in my level of competence, poor kid. I decided to wait and see if he could deal with it. Um. No. I try to help. This is not a part of Jack’s anatomy that he appreciated the pull and tug maneuver to get the board shorts off. I was doing the best I could which is not saying much under the circumstances. Jack is quickly going from uncomfortable to being in more than a bit of pain and I’m trying not to panic. These are boy bits after all. He starts to whine and yell, that thirty seconds seemed to last 100 years but we finally achieved FREEDOM! Can I please get a Hallelujah and an Amen? Jack looked up at me and said, “Mama said no touch the toy.”

I can’t tell you how hard it was not to fall over I was laughing so hard. Jack has been seeing and endocrinologist. He’s had a series of testosterone shots to help his growth. It causes certain side effects in boys. My mantra for a bit seemed to be, “Jack stop touching, that’s not a toy.” Something, as usual was lost in translation between us but it made a truly horrific experience a bit more humorous for me. The funnier part was watching Jack walk like an old man down to the beach and then try to tell his Grandma what had happened to his “toy.” Oh my! 

Jack got over his incident fairly quickly. I’ll just tell him to send me the therapy bills later. We’re working on parts of the anatomy with the correct vernacular. Poor kid had no idea what he was getting into with this family. 

In other news, Jack has his follow up today from  his testosterone shot therapy. As always, prayers are appreciated. 

Tonight I dropped my mother off at the airport. I was having a bit of a pity party. Actually that is an understatement. I was having a full bore toddler meltdown snotting and crying and yelling, “I want my mommy!” While that might have been a bit of an exaggeration, it’s not by much. I just kept thinking I can’t believe I put my mother on that plane by herself. Mom on the other hand was not having a full blown meltdown. I got a text saying she didn’t even cry until she was almost at the gate. Did we switch bodies? She also let me know she was enjoying the category button on Pinterest. I think bodysnatchers have arrived. 

Anyway, I was throwing myself a full bore pity party. Ray made me a mai tai and I hit the porch. I love to sit on my porch at night while the trade winds blow. We say hello to the neighbors and get caught up. I assumed my position, got out my magazine and sipped at my drink. It could only be better if I had a bit more comfortable chair and I could actually talk Mom into staying longer. New neighbors walked by. I got up and introduced myself and right away all the kids were playing. Pretty typical Hawaiian night. By the way, I do realize how seriously blessed we are. We got to know each other and let the kids run themselves silly at the park across the street. 

The neighbors needed to feed their baby. I re-assumed my position, picked up my drink and started my sip. It actually crossed my lips as I noticed something in the glass. I wondered if one of the kids had slipped a stick in as a stir stick. They know better then to mess with my rum… ahem. Anyway, I sat the glass down only to see a gecko frantically swimming…a very happy, very drunk gecko. Gag! Yes, I drank from the glass. Yes my children have already informed me that said gecko probably peed a little in his scared state. Double gag! 

I opened the door to run for the camera but Ray was pretty sure Mr. Gecko would be a goner. We poured out good rum and drunk gecko… that hurt almost as much as drinking gecko pee. Yes. I just said that. The gecko walked away mostly unscathed. Hopefully he hides in the flowers and away from the cats tonight. 

In other news, I’m pretty sure I’ll have lots of laundry tomorrow. Ray must have peed his pants. He’s still laughing at me…and fixing me a new drink. 

So this chapter once again hit home. I think this is a hot button issue whether you are a believer or not. Because of recent books like this.

I think this is something we are all talking about or at the very least wondering about. Or is it just me? (In a moment of full disclosure, a few years ago I found that I started to disagree with some of the tenants that Rob Bell preaches. While I did read Erasing Hell, I never read Love Wins.) 

Hell confounds me. I liked Keller’s theory. I found it mildly comforting. In fact, I’m happy Mom is here. I got back from my trip, handed her my book and said, “Read chapter 5. I want to know what you think.” 

Here’s what I think. There is a hell. I have always thought that the worst part of hell, even before reading this chapter would be the absence from God. I found that Keller’s description of hell was… compelling for lack of a better word. I’ve never considered it from that perspective. Once again, I just want to sit and talk about this. I’m very anxious to hear what the other study participants say about this chapter. Believe it or not, I’m finding myself at a loss for words. 

Stefanie’s question this week…

Question: Has this chapter opened your eyes to any false doctrine you’ve knowingly or unknowingly believed about God’s wrath? About hell? 

Honestly, I feel like I’m going to have to process this for weeks. I grew up hearing hell, fire and brimstone sermons. In my old age, I think I’ve mellowed that to open up to God’s love. I can’t say that I’ve never not been aware of God’s capability for wrath. The stories of the Old Testament are full of examples of God’s wrath. Then, I say I’m living by the New Testament. I would be lying if I said I didn’t have a healthy fear of God. As I’m typing and thinking, I’m realizing I don’t fear Jesus in the same way that I fear God. Jesus is the perfect example of God’s love. They are one and the same. My brain is turning to mush so you’ll understand why I say that I’m at a loss for words here. 

The rub is, I’m concerned. I want to make sure that I know in my heart all of it. I’ve always believed that here was a hell, that my salvation comes only by grace, but I needed to complete a covenant through repentance and baptism. There are so many people right now saying so many things. I really need to stop and read and know what’s false doctrine and what’s not. 

Can someone please read this chapter and talk to me!

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The absolute most disturbing thing about our trip… I saw Chipotle and Chick-Fil-A. I swear it’s like the sun wraps Chick-fil-a in a halo. We went… our messed up clocks. They were closed. I saw a Trader Joe’s and a Whole Foods on the same block. There was a little shopping strip across from our hotel. There was a Stein Mart, Nordstrom Rack and Neiman Marcus Off Rack, Hobby Lobby… I can’t go on… we didn’t step foot in ANY OF THEM. I was in the land of plenty and tragically did not have time to shop. I know I sound like a materialistic spoiled brat but you have no idea how much I miss having a Hobby Lobby or a real grocery store that doesn’t require me to fork out the equivalent of a mortgage payment for a week’s worth of groceries and have everything stocked. It was worth it for this…

I haven’t seen her in well, 18 years… It seemed like yesterday. She’s got the same beautiful smile. I love Shanan and wished somehow the navy and football would manage to get us to live a bit closer just for a bit. We got to have breakfast with Shanan and her family, minus Miss Sophi. I’m so happy we had the chance to just sit and catch up. 

Then there was this…

First, Ray cleans up pretty nice doesn’t he? Made me wonder why I let him get away with our casual beach wedding. He’s pretty good looking! Wait…oh yes, these two together again. They’ve been best friends as long as I’ve known either of them. They don’t get to talk or see each other nearly enough. They slipped right back into where they left off. I love Chris like a brother and I was so happy to see him so happy. 

It was a lovely (too fast) get away with Ray. I am very happy to be back home.