It's official! The house is definitely getting ready for the 2008 Olympics. Yesterday, Andrea pulled out her autographed 8"x10" of Dominique Dawes (Awesome Dawesome). She received it after she sent a letter to Dominique expressing her greatest admiration for her--actually Andrea wrote all of the gymnasts. (she refrained from answering my questions about who else responded, but I'm pretty sure she told me previously that Amanda Borden and Kerri Strug also responded, although not with an 8"x10").
Stephanie also asked me to tape the swimming since she will be out of the country. (Ironically she'll be much closer to the events than I will be!)
On a different note--please be in prayer for three members of the house as they will be leaving on missions trips within the next two weeks. Katie leaves on Saturday for the Dominican Republic (she will be gone 10 days). Andrea and Stephanie leave on the 29th for an unnamed location (they will be gone 17 days). Pray for safe travels and bold, Christ-like love for the people they come in contact with!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
night time intruders...
Two nights ago I was closing up the main floor windows and shutting the blinds before I went to bed. As I was closing the last one (the kitchen window, which is facing our backyard) I heard some movement that was definitely coming from our yard. Thinking it was someone from next door (the blue house) I switched on the light on the outside of our garage and flung open the blind covering our back door window. This is what I saw:
That would have been bad enough, but then I realized that I had more of a problem on my hands than I realized!
We had caught a squirrel in our newly acquired live trap and had put it out of it's misery (thanks Mike!), but hadn't disposed of it yet (it was 10:30pm by the time we got around to "putting it down"). Well, this family of raccoons were more than happy to help me with the problem of disposing of the squirrel's remains--the only problem for them was the trap! When I went out to scare them away and assure them that I would take care of the squirrel myself, they didn't seem to believe me and challenged me! (what nerve!) There were 6 raccoons in all--I'm guessing it was a mother and 5 babies. The mother got a bit protective when I came out there and she tried to scare me. I, however, was armed with a broom and plastic garbage can lid (they weren't too impressed!). They soon found out just how serious (and stubborn) I was and decided it wasn't worth the fight. They did, however, all watch me from the top of the fence nearby while I rescued my squirrel remains (and trap) and then "hurried" back inside. It was quite exciting!
That would have been bad enough, but then I realized that I had more of a problem on my hands than I realized!
We had caught a squirrel in our newly acquired live trap and had put it out of it's misery (thanks Mike!), but hadn't disposed of it yet (it was 10:30pm by the time we got around to "putting it down"). Well, this family of raccoons were more than happy to help me with the problem of disposing of the squirrel's remains--the only problem for them was the trap! When I went out to scare them away and assure them that I would take care of the squirrel myself, they didn't seem to believe me and challenged me! (what nerve!) There were 6 raccoons in all--I'm guessing it was a mother and 5 babies. The mother got a bit protective when I came out there and she tried to scare me. I, however, was armed with a broom and plastic garbage can lid (they weren't too impressed!). They soon found out just how serious (and stubborn) I was and decided it wasn't worth the fight. They did, however, all watch me from the top of the fence nearby while I rescued my squirrel remains (and trap) and then "hurried" back inside. It was quite exciting!
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
hip-hop and Na
When I was at the New Attitude Conference last month I bought a couple CD's. One of them is called 'The Atonement,' by Shai Linne. He came and sang a song at church a few months ago and he sang at the conference as well. I don't normally listen to much rap/hip-hop but I have really enjoyed this CD. The words of his song's are excellent. And he even has a few songs with some John Piper and CJ Mahaney sermon clips. At the conference, Shai Linne sang a short version of one of his songs. Sorry it's so dark. It was real dark in the room.Another CD I bought was the 'Looked Upon' CD by the Na Band. The leader of the band, Devon Kauflin led the worship songs with his dad, Bob Kauflin at the conference and it was some of the greatest singing time I've ever experienced. The CD does not compare to the live singing but I still really like it and would recommend both of these CDs...
Monday, June 30, 2008
good and bad guests in the ghetto
We've had quite a few guests at our house this past weekend! On Friday evening, we had my sister (Kayla) and her friend (Kari) here. We went out to eat at the Old Spaghetti Factory, watched Remember the Titans, part of Sound of Music and went to the Somali Mall so Kayla, Kari and Ellie could get henna.
Kim and her friend Lisa stayed here this weekend as well. They were in Minneapolis for a conference on Perspectives. Kim is known by some of our friends here as "the ear lady" because last time she was here, she checked all of our ears. Some of us had too much wax. She gave us helpful tips about how to clean them out. Just ask if you want to know...
And then, Sunday afternoon, we had three great friends -- Gabby, Greta and Bethany over for lunch. We had Cranberry Chicken with rice (a new recipe from Lacy), played speed Scrabble, looked at Sarah's pictures, a nap for two of us and did lots of laughing. Here's a picture from a few weeks ago. We wish Katie could have been here too but she was just getting home from the hospital.
Then, about a half hour later, our small group showed up for...small group. Johnathon taught on Bethlehem's fighter verse (Psalm 96:1-3). It was really good. We also had a time of singing, accountability and prayer.
But then, today, came the nasty pets. The squirrels and the ants. We have had some problems lately with the ants in our house. They are out of control. The other day we didn't have any ant killer, so we decided to "windex" them. We thought they were gone, but tonight they have made their mega debut in our house. We have seven ant killer traps on the floor! Ick!
We also have a squirrel in our backyard--in our new trap! Our friend, Abraham, inspired us to trap them so now we are waiting for him to come give us a lesson on finishing the job. After seeing the ruined plants, we wanted vengeance on the squirrels, 
but now seeing it struggling in the trap, we want it freed! We'll see what happens.
Kim and her friend Lisa stayed here this weekend as well. They were in Minneapolis for a conference on Perspectives. Kim is known by some of our friends here as "the ear lady" because last time she was here, she checked all of our ears. Some of us had too much wax. She gave us helpful tips about how to clean them out. Just ask if you want to know...
And then, Sunday afternoon, we had three great friends -- Gabby, Greta and Bethany over for lunch. We had Cranberry Chicken with rice (a new recipe from Lacy), played speed Scrabble, looked at Sarah's pictures, a nap for two of us and did lots of laughing. Here's a picture from a few weeks ago. We wish Katie could have been here too but she was just getting home from the hospital.
Then, about a half hour later, our small group showed up for...small group. Johnathon taught on Bethlehem's fighter verse (Psalm 96:1-3). It was really good. We also had a time of singing, accountability and prayer.
But then, today, came the nasty pets. The squirrels and the ants. We have had some problems lately with the ants in our house. They are out of control. The other day we didn't have any ant killer, so we decided to "windex" them. We thought they were gone, but tonight they have made their mega debut in our house. We have seven ant killer traps on the floor! Ick!
We also have a squirrel in our backyard--in our new trap! Our friend, Abraham, inspired us to trap them so now we are waiting for him to come give us a lesson on finishing the job. After seeing the ruined plants, we wanted vengeance on the squirrels, 
but now seeing it struggling in the trap, we want it freed! We'll see what happens.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
mpls...tunisia...italy...mpls
Sarah (our roommate who is a nurse and lives in the basement) has returned to 2520. She returned home after traveling with a good friend to Tunisia and Italy, becoming real tan and eating Gelato multiple times per day. They were visiting another good friend who is living in Tunisia. We missed her a lot so when we came home from church last night, we were so excited to see her backpack by the door and the light on in the basement. It is good to have her back!
Sarah brought these back for us -- tiles from Tunisia! FYI: Tunisia is known for their tiles:
Here's a picture of Sarah giving the Tower of Pisa a hug. She said her hair is tucked behind her ears because she didn't blow dry it.
Sarah brought these back for us -- tiles from Tunisia! FYI: Tunisia is known for their tiles:
Here's a picture of Sarah giving the Tower of Pisa a hug. She said her hair is tucked behind her ears because she didn't blow dry it.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Remember the 1996 Summer Olympics?
Probably the best Olympics ever. Tonight (12 years later), Steph, Katie and I pulled out the VHS tapes of the women's gymnastics. It's bringing back great memories and tears from some.
Some quotes from watching:
Steph: "I'm getting nervous...I can't watch."
Katie: "I think I'm going to cry." Steph: "Me too."
Steph: "This is like ti-vo...I thought I'd have time for a bathroom break..."
We decided to Google some of the pictures of the girls to see what they look like now. Some of them look so different! Can you name who is who in the current pictures?
Some quotes from watching:
Steph: "I'm getting nervous...I can't watch."
Katie: "I think I'm going to cry." Steph: "Me too."
Steph: "This is like ti-vo...I thought I'd have time for a bathroom break..."
We decided to Google some of the pictures of the girls to see what they look like now. Some of them look so different! Can you name who is who in the current pictures?
then...
Jaycie Phelps, Dominique Moceanu, Shannon Miller, Dominique Dawes (Awesome Dawesome), Amy Chow, Amanda Borden and Kerri Strug.
Jaycie Phelps, Dominique Moceanu, Shannon Miller, Dominique Dawes (Awesome Dawesome), Amy Chow, Amanda Borden and Kerri Strug.
now...
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
steph's commercial
Last night, Steph was telling Lacy about the Desiring God National Conference (post from 2006 conference). She was so excited that it sounded like a commercial. She tried three times on video. We are not sure which one is best (or worst :), so here are all three of Steph's ads:
Which one do you think is the most convincing??
p.s. You can also find more info about the conference at the DG website...
Which one do you think is the most convincing??
p.s. You can also find more info about the conference at the DG website...
Thursday, June 19, 2008
You're All Invited!
We are excited to announce that we have a new addition to our house! It took hours of hard, strenuous labor, but we finally got our fire pit in. Now it is ready to be enjoyed by all! Consider this your invitation to come over to break it in. We'll probably have fires every night. 
Here is a picture with evidence that we worked so hard. Look at all the dirt in the wheelbarrow!
Another picture of us working hard to get the pit in (especially me). Nice smile, Ellie.
At one point we dug the pit three feet deep and Ellie got in it to continue digging. She was hoping this might be her secret entrance into Brazil.
*Shout Out*
I want to thank everyone who made this fire pit possible. First, God because he is the giver of all things. Second, my parents. My dad bought the pit, then went out of his comfort zone to bring it all the way to Minneapolis. Third, Ellie and Andrea who did most of the shoveling:) Fourth, Andrea's dad who provided the giant rocks. And finally, Greta, who came over and watched us put it in.
P.S. If you come over, bring some firewood and newspaper!
Here is a picture with evidence that we worked so hard. Look at all the dirt in the wheelbarrow!
Another picture of us working hard to get the pit in (especially me). Nice smile, Ellie.
At one point we dug the pit three feet deep and Ellie got in it to continue digging. She was hoping this might be her secret entrance into Brazil. *Shout Out*
I want to thank everyone who made this fire pit possible. First, God because he is the giver of all things. Second, my parents. My dad bought the pit, then went out of his comfort zone to bring it all the way to Minneapolis. Third, Ellie and Andrea who did most of the shoveling:) Fourth, Andrea's dad who provided the giant rocks. And finally, Greta, who came over and watched us put it in.
P.S. If you come over, bring some firewood and newspaper!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
NBA Finals: Game #6
Ok everybody, get excited.....KG (a.k.a. "the big ticket", or Kevin Garnett) and the Boston Celtics are 3:39 seconds away from winning the 2008 NBA Finals! The score is Boston- 118 to LA- 84.
SJ: Oh, oh...he's so happy! It's so cute! (referring to KG)
(I'm officially going to start "live-blogging" at around the 2min mark, but I had to add that comment)
AF: I'm so happy for him!
SJ: How tall is Kevin Garnett?
EL: I think he's around 7 feet...right??
AF: Yeah, or 6'11"
EL: (after looking it up) he's 6'11".
SJ: He looks taller because he's so skinny.
.............
2:21 left in the game
SJ: I forgot he was called the big ticket.
KH: One hundred twenty-three points! This is like the worst game I have ever seen in my life!
AF: Oh, NO! This is the best game...that's because I have seen game after game after game of KG losing.
SJ: It's because it's a blowout!
AF: Just you wait till you see him after the game.
(TV sound went off for a second)
SJ: Oh, did he swear??
.....
1:52 left in the game
KH: C'mon Lakers...catch up! Is there a 10 pointer??
SJ: Yee-ah!
AF: How do you write that?? YEE-AH
SJ: Boo-ya...alley oop!
KH: Did they put all their B-string players in??
SJ: I don't think they have "B-string" players.
.....
1:04 left in the game
KH: This is just embarrassing for the Lakers...seriously to lose by that much in the final game....41 point difference, oh wait, 42 point difference. No ones even cheering.
AF: AWW!
SJ: Andrea, I'm happy for you...I am, this means a lot to you!
KH: OK, a little premature...you still have 30 seconds to play (after the gatorade was dumped on the Celtics coach.)
..............
26.7 left in the game
EL: Guys! 19 seconds left
KH: And they're running the clock down
SJ: YAY!!
AF: This is so exciting!!
SJ: Wait for it! Oh, this is so cool...I love sports!
KH: Wait, was that a leprechaun??
AF: Well they are the Celtics.
SJ: Are celtics Irish??
AF: Oh yeah, Celtics=Leprechaun
..........
Celtics WON game! (131-92)
...........
AF What are they doing??
SJ: He's crying!
AF: Oh, look at him. I knew he was going to be happy! I've been waiting for 8 years for this moment!
.......KG is being interviewed........
AF: He talks like our neighbors!
SJ: His method of communicating is obviously yelling!
SJ: I bet Jesse's really happy!
SJ: Oh, oh...he's so happy! It's so cute! (referring to KG)
(I'm officially going to start "live-blogging" at around the 2min mark, but I had to add that comment)
AF: I'm so happy for him!
SJ: How tall is Kevin Garnett?
EL: I think he's around 7 feet...right??
AF: Yeah, or 6'11"
EL: (after looking it up) he's 6'11".
SJ: He looks taller because he's so skinny.
.............
2:21 left in the game
SJ: I forgot he was called the big ticket.
KH: One hundred twenty-three points! This is like the worst game I have ever seen in my life!
AF: Oh, NO! This is the best game...that's because I have seen game after game after game of KG losing.
SJ: It's because it's a blowout!
AF: Just you wait till you see him after the game.
(TV sound went off for a second)
SJ: Oh, did he swear??
.....
1:52 left in the game
KH: C'mon Lakers...catch up! Is there a 10 pointer??
SJ: Yee-ah!
AF: How do you write that?? YEE-AH
SJ: Boo-ya...alley oop!
KH: Did they put all their B-string players in??
SJ: I don't think they have "B-string" players.
.....
1:04 left in the game
KH: This is just embarrassing for the Lakers...seriously to lose by that much in the final game....41 point difference, oh wait, 42 point difference. No ones even cheering.
AF: AWW!
SJ: Andrea, I'm happy for you...I am, this means a lot to you!
KH: OK, a little premature...you still have 30 seconds to play (after the gatorade was dumped on the Celtics coach.)
..............
26.7 left in the game
EL: Guys! 19 seconds left
KH: And they're running the clock down
SJ: YAY!!
AF: This is so exciting!!
SJ: Wait for it! Oh, this is so cool...I love sports!
KH: Wait, was that a leprechaun??
AF: Well they are the Celtics.
SJ: Are celtics Irish??
AF: Oh yeah, Celtics=Leprechaun
..........
Celtics WON game! (131-92)
...........
AF What are they doing??
SJ: He's crying!
AF: Oh, look at him. I knew he was going to be happy! I've been waiting for 8 years for this moment!
.......KG is being interviewed........
AF: He talks like our neighbors!
SJ: His method of communicating is obviously yelling!
SJ: I bet Jesse's really happy!
Friday, May 23, 2008
from the south
Katie and I are in Louisville, Kentucky for the New Attitude Conference and we are going to be exhibiting for Desiring God at the conference. I have been so excited to come, both for the conference and to see Courtney, who used to live at 2520. We are at Courtney's house right now and Courtney, Katie and I have been sitting on her couch for about the last hour because we saw a mouse. Donald (Courtney's boyfriend) just arrived and is setting traps. He just found two dead mice in the traps that he set under the sink. This is serious. Besides the mouse and getting sick on the first flight, it has been a good trip so far! It has been great to hang out with Courtney -- we all miss her so much. One of the many things I miss about her is her daily routine.
evening:
Download podcasts to Ipod
Get coffee ready in the filter for morning
Get ready for bed
Crawl into the top bunk
Read
Crawl down and go to the bathroom
Get back up into bed and immediately shut the light off
Sleep
morning:
Get up
Turn on the coffee pot
Shower
Hair and Make-up while listening to Ipod with cup of coffee sitting on sink (Burts Bees and cell phone always close by)
Morning devotions
Breakfast (cereal) -- either at the table or standing in the kitchen
Prepare lunch to take to work
Get dressed (in the closet) with clothes that had been picked out earlier
Run out the door immediately after getting dressed
You could count on this routine happening in the same order each day. Courtney tells us that her routine now differs from what it was at 2520. We miss you a lot and a lot and many things about you, Courtney!
Oh my goodness...Donald just told us that their are baby mice and many....ahhhhh... And he is making the "humane" traps "less humane." If you know what I mean. Abraham would be proud.
evening:
Download podcasts to Ipod
Get coffee ready in the filter for morning
Get ready for bed
Crawl into the top bunk
Read
Crawl down and go to the bathroom
Get back up into bed and immediately shut the light off
Sleep
morning:
Get up
Turn on the coffee pot
Shower
Hair and Make-up while listening to Ipod with cup of coffee sitting on sink (Burts Bees and cell phone always close by)
Morning devotions
Breakfast (cereal) -- either at the table or standing in the kitchen
Prepare lunch to take to work
Get dressed (in the closet) with clothes that had been picked out earlier
Run out the door immediately after getting dressed
You could count on this routine happening in the same order each day. Courtney tells us that her routine now differs from what it was at 2520. We miss you a lot and a lot and many things about you, Courtney!
Oh my goodness...Donald just told us that their are baby mice and many....ahhhhh... And he is making the "humane" traps "less humane." If you know what I mean. Abraham would be proud.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
from what i've gathered...
guys like david letterman better and girls like jay leno better.
agree? disagree?
agree? disagree?
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Friday, May 09, 2008
26 things you may or may not know about steph
1. loves hockey
2. went to norwegian and korean culture camp as a child
3. in HS, went to choir class early to take her friend, Angela's chair
4. bakes a lot
5. plays on a girl's softball team
6. didn't notice the fishy tasting water last month because as she said, she "doesn't really drink water."
7. has had braces twice, one root canal, cap, and wisdom teeth pulled
8. does not like hot weather
9. has a brother living in australia
10. became a christian in high school
11. went to chipotle three times in one day when they were giving away burritos
12. graduated from the u of mn with a major in family social science
13. loves swedish fish
14. was a swimmer in high school
15. wears contacts and does not own a pair of glasses
16. would rather stay in a hotel than in a tent
17. has two brothers and one sister
18. is a small group mentor
19. grew up in shoreview, mn
20. loves it when 9pm rolls around because that means free cell phone minutes
21. was left on a doorstep as a baby
22. has worked at starbucks, great clips and family dentistry
23. the drink she is most likely to order at starbucks is an americano
24. usual grocery store purchases: a couple apples, two little things of yogurt, reduced fat cheez-its, bag of pretzels, pasta, soup -- and that's about it.
25. is a great roommate
26. can't parallel park to save her life
HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEPH!!!!!!!!
(May 10th)
2. went to norwegian and korean culture camp as a child
3. in HS, went to choir class early to take her friend, Angela's chair
4. bakes a lot
5. plays on a girl's softball team
6. didn't notice the fishy tasting water last month because as she said, she "doesn't really drink water."
7. has had braces twice, one root canal, cap, and wisdom teeth pulled
8. does not like hot weather
9. has a brother living in australia
10. became a christian in high school
11. went to chipotle three times in one day when they were giving away burritos
12. graduated from the u of mn with a major in family social science
13. loves swedish fish
14. was a swimmer in high school
15. wears contacts and does not own a pair of glasses
16. would rather stay in a hotel than in a tent
17. has two brothers and one sister
18. is a small group mentor
19. grew up in shoreview, mn
20. loves it when 9pm rolls around because that means free cell phone minutes
21. was left on a doorstep as a baby
22. has worked at starbucks, great clips and family dentistry
23. the drink she is most likely to order at starbucks is an americano
24. usual grocery store purchases: a couple apples, two little things of yogurt, reduced fat cheez-its, bag of pretzels, pasta, soup -- and that's about it.
25. is a great roommate
26. can't parallel park to save her life
HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEPH!!!!!!!!
(May 10th)
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
special week!
This is National Nurses Week 2008. And there are two nurses living in our house - Sarah and Lacy! I found an exciting website that allows you to send an e-card to a nurse. If you would like to bless our roommate, Sarah, please go to this link: Nursing World and click on view the e-card. The link for the e-card is: E-Card. Sarah's email is: sarahkron@comcast.net. Some of you who know Sarah know that this is not her main email, but she didn't want me to post it. So, if you know her real email, you can send it there.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
please help
As most of you know, Ellie is planning to go to Brazil as a missionary to the deaf. However, there has been a slight hang-up in the process. And we are asking for your help. We've been brainstorming about what to do. We've been thinking that she pretty much has two options: 1. apply for a volunteer VISA or 2. Get ordained and re-apply for the missionary VISA. Neither of the two afore-mentioned options are ideal for Ellie. You can read her blog if you want to know more about why the volunteer option is not best. And she does not feel adequate to be ordained. So, as we were discussing this dilemma this afternoon, a brilliant thought entered my head. It is option number 3. and obviously the easiest and best. She needs to find a husband. Not just any husband, but one who wants to get ordained. Oh yeah, and move to Brazil. The good thing is that we know a whole batch of candidates who could potentially fulfill this role. Perfect. So if you could just help us by picking the best one out and sending him Ellie's way. What a great way you can minister to Ellie. She is open.
Here is a picture of Ellie:
In all seriousness, please pray for Ellie during this VISA obtaining process. Please pray that God would give her wisdom in choosing the right husband (KIDDING). We do ask that you would pray for wisdom for Ellie and for the hearts of the people at the Consulate who will be accepting or denying her VISA. We know that it is in the Lord's hands and that he is able to do all things well and knows the best time-frame.
Here is a picture of Ellie:
In all seriousness, please pray for Ellie during this VISA obtaining process. Please pray that God would give her wisdom in choosing the right husband (KIDDING). We do ask that you would pray for wisdom for Ellie and for the hearts of the people at the Consulate who will be accepting or denying her VISA. We know that it is in the Lord's hands and that he is able to do all things well and knows the best time-frame.
is 'important' subjective?
A recent phone call from a 2520 girl to 911:
"Hi, this is not an emergency but I think it's important..."
"Hi, this is not an emergency but I think it's important..."
Monday, May 05, 2008
We've been duped!
Our boss, Mike Tong, who we consider to be full of wisdom and insight when it comes to all procedures in the office has always told us that we use Library shipping...not Media. We are obviously not a library. However, even though Library Rate is a strange name for a shipping method we thought that it was named that because it is slow. You know, libraries are quiet and therefore slow. So the shipping is slow too. Makes sense, right?
So, when we got these notes, we laughed and laughed and thought the postal workers were crazy. Maybe it was the "new guy" that wrote the note.
We confess now that we were slightly wrong because we had the wrong definition of what Library Rate was. We equated Library for Media. This error has been corrected by Lukas Naugle. But, DG is also considered an educational institution which qualifies us for Library Rate.
So, now the funny part is that the post office was still wrong and Library Rate is not just for libraries. We think it's still ok to laugh.
So, when we got these notes, we laughed and laughed and thought the postal workers were crazy. Maybe it was the "new guy" that wrote the note.
We confess now that we were slightly wrong because we had the wrong definition of what Library Rate was. We equated Library for Media. This error has been corrected by Lukas Naugle. But, DG is also considered an educational institution which qualifies us for Library Rate.
So, now the funny part is that the post office was still wrong and Library Rate is not just for libraries. We think it's still ok to laugh.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
library shipping.
Two packages of books were returned to work last week. The packages had been sent out 'library rate' (meaning the cheapest method of shipping with the USPS -- nothing to do with libraries). There was a note attached to the returned package. Apparently there is a USPS employee who is not aware of the meaning of library rate because the note said: "To qualify for library rate the parcel must be going to or coming from a library."
Interesting.Funny.
Friday, May 02, 2008
when forgetfulness is a bad thing --
Yesterday I read Exodus 16 which is a story of the Israelites complaints to the LORD. Only two chapters earlier, I had read: "The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen; of all the host of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea, not one of them remained. But the people of Israel walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left." And only two chapters before that, in 12:27, I had read: "...for he passed over the houses of the people of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians but spared our houses."
I can't imagine experiencing anything like the Passover or dry ground in the middle of a large sea! How could they go from the chapter 12 and 14 experiences to grumbling in chapter 16? Did they forget what the LORD had done?
But a lot of the time, I'm as forgetful as they were. I read verses like Ephesians 2:4-5 "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ" or "He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" How can I know Jesus and experience his love and still grumble? How can I read verses like these and two minutes later grumble about crummy weather or plans that don't go my way?
I can't imagine experiencing anything like the Passover or dry ground in the middle of a large sea! How could they go from the chapter 12 and 14 experiences to grumbling in chapter 16? Did they forget what the LORD had done?
But a lot of the time, I'm as forgetful as they were. I read verses like Ephesians 2:4-5 "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ" or "He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" How can I know Jesus and experience his love and still grumble? How can I read verses like these and two minutes later grumble about crummy weather or plans that don't go my way?
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