The Eccentricities of HIS voice

On a "spring ahead - lose-an-hour-Sunday morning," I wanted to crock-pot a roast with veggies for after church guests, leave the house in decent order, arrive early enough to package the benevolence bread (6 garbage bags full) and appear in the prayer room for pre-service prayer by 9 a.m. Thankfully, along life's way, I have birthed a small army (four great kids) to help me in all my endeavors. In the prayer room, when Kent asked me if I had any "prayer leadings" or "senses" that morning, I was embarrassed to say, I hadn't yet prayed much at all. But as 7 of us gathered for that hour btw. 9 and 10a.m., GOD came, with the awesome peace and electricity of HIS presence, and spoke in an eccentric language of connections, which we are beginning to understand.

In his teaching on The Gift of Prophecy last week, Nathaniel explained how GOD speaks to each one of us in a language especially personally and understandable. Knowing how we individually operate, what we think about and dwell on, HOLY SPIRIT (I use these three, GOD, JESUS and HS, interchangebly, understanding them as one and the same) - can interject thoughts into our mind right before we read a highway billboard, give someone else a significant picture from our childhood to share with us, just as HE is reminding us about a truth that corresponds to the image, cause a car to hover in front of ours until we notice the "PS37 18" licence plate in front of us, commit to looking it up to find the Biblical verse directly answering the cry of our heart just minutes before. All three of these examples have actually happened to me over the years, strengthening my non-belief in coincidence.

Sunday morning, again, left me smiling with gratitude that we are not left alone in prayer, to praise and petition a silent or distant God who refuses to reciprocate our communication. In reality, HE initiates - GOD put thoughts in our minds and hearts as we began to listen that morning. After waiting in silence, several people asked GOD to give us eyes to see the needs of HIS children and to see what HE was doing in their hearts. During the waiting, I had seen a picture, in my mind, of two eyes on the same face, but looking in opposite directions - out to either side. Then, in my mind's image, hands came and turned the eyes back to front facing, training them straight ahead. This repeated again and again. Then I saw those black patches by the eyes, the kind they put on horses so they don't get spooked by bicycles and such. As I saw this vision during the silent listening time, I felt GOD was wanting me to ask HIM to focus and train our eyes away from ourselves and our circumstances, and look to HIM only - HIS Glory, HIS Presence, HIS Peace.

So, as others began to pray for EYES to see, I rejoiced to join them, and felt that in this theme, GOD was leading. One man, arriving late, spoke up in prayer, rather tentatively. "Lord, I am hearing some things this morning that seem a bit strange, but, out of obedience, I will speak them out - Give Kevin (our pastor) a servant's heart and a shepherd's voice this morning" I confirmed later that this man had no idea that the theme of Kevin's sermon was "the gift of Pastors - the servant shepherd."

After his sermon, Kevin's practice has become, taking a few minutes of silence to listen for Holy Spirit's direction in ministry. During this time, GOD spoke to Matt, who had not been with us in the pre-service prayer. He shared that he believed the the LORD wanted to speak to us about our EYES; He wanted to show us where and to whom He is ministering so we can move with Him. I spoke up then, too, encouraging him in his "hearing;" thematically, this was surely something GOD wanted to speak to his "sheep" that morning.

I know JESUS was at work in many people that morning, speaking personal words of encouragement in our individual "languages," but I'll mention just one more, as it's a first hand account. During the sermon Kevin had shared a personal story about his time as a camp counselor back in college, at which time he thought "This is what I was made for" - shepherding people. That phrase jumped out at me, as Kevin spoke it, and I had the sense that GOD wanted to minister to someone in the room for which that statement caused a "stir" in their spirit. So I had written in down and circled it, so I didn't forget to share it later. After the listening time I did share what I felt GOD was saying for someone, and then, as Kevin and I were waiting at the front for anyone who wanted prayer, a man approached us. He confirmed that all I had spoken was exactly what he was thinking and feeling, when Kevin shared his story and "this is what I was made for.." phrase. GOD continued to encourage this friend, as we prayed for him, giving us pictures and words that spoke to his heart.

It strikes me that THIS is what we were all made for, to be in relationship with the ONE who created us, to help each other understand the eccentricities of HIS voice to see what HE sees and partner with HIM in what He's doing in this world.

GOD's willingness to teach is even greater than our desire to learn.

Once again, as I seek HIS face, GOD chooses to surprise me. Back to blogging about the ways in which He "speaks"...

This morning, during the pre-service prayer time, five of us met with GOD, and asked HIM to continue to teach us how to tune into HIS "voice," so that we can keep learning to effectively minister HIS encouragement and love to each other, and to a hurting world outside the walls of our church.

Later, during the service, as I listened to my husband preach about the gift of apostleship, I was struck with the thought of how intimidatingly high the calling to, and the operating in this gift sounded. I wondered at how many people would find the idea of such a ministry personally applicable and relevant. Then, I an impression came to mind, (I thought it might be from the LORD, rather than a thought of my own) "If you allow me to root out your 'distractions' - I (GOD) will help you hear my calling on your life." I jotted this down on a the back of the bulletin, with a "?" and another little added prayer "Lord, give confirmation."

As the sermon ended, we (the congregation) waited, silently listening for a few minutes, to see what GOD wanted to do next; we've been working on developing this habit in our church - making ROOM for GOD to speak, move on people's hearts, give impressions, words, etc. to those HE would use to encourage and minister to others that morning. Simply and *Biblically defined, words of wisdom, words of knowledge, prophesy, tongues and interpretation of tongues have each come forth from lay members of our congregation over the past month. (*1Corinthians 12:7-11) Today, after our listening time, three different people spoke out various words of wisdom and encouragement they thought to be from GOD. My impression seemed "faint," and I wondered that it may have come from my own thoughts; I didn't share it.

The next step in our service is Rev Kev calling to the front a "prayer team," willing and able men and women who will minister to any who come forward to ask for prayer at the close of the service, usually during the final song (s). As I sang and waited at the front, facing the rest of the congregation, I prayed for them. The music ended and no-one had come.... a first in many weeks. I asked silently, "LORD, was I supposed to give my 'word' ? Did someone not come for ministry because of my silence? Do you want me to say it NOW - it's practically over at this point. " I pleaded with GOD "You know I'm 'dust' (in other words, "I'm only human -give me a break") "YOU, LORD, could be more clear - YOU could send somebody up here to tell me to give my word.." (I did, after all, write that prayer asking for confirmation)

No sooner had I prayed this (above) prayer, than a man from the congregation came down front, stood before me and said, "This is a bit weird, but - do you have a word for me? I kinda feel like you may have a word for me."

Ordinarily, this question would have unnerved me a bit, as I'm not highly gifted in prophetic words. However, in light of everything I just shared, I was able to confidently share that, yes, I believed I did have a piece of encouragement for him specifically. Picking up my scrap of paper I had carried down to the front with me, I read to him what I had written; he confirmed that it hit him as personally applicable, so Kevin and I got the opportunity to pray for him about it. GOD is good!!

I find the LORD to be continually patient, and more desiring than I, when it comes to answering my prayers for learning to tune into HIS "voice" and relate to HIM as a friend.

Militance

"And GOD led his people by a pillar of cloud by day

and by a pillar of fire by night..."

Exodus 13:20

On the fifth Sunday of the month, our church celebrates a "Fire by Night" celebration, praising Jesus through singing, praying for one another and sharing the general goodness of GOD. This refreshing blessing of renewal and healing happens quarterly - and last night, Jan.29, we gathered again, anticipating GOD's presence. He showed up!

Halfway through the service, Kevin, led by the Holy Spirit, encouraged us to consider the word and idea of MILITANCE in our spirituality. A discussion ensued. Following, I've shared some thoughts on the subject; may they be helpful and encouraging.

The first two thirds of the Bible is so filled with accounts of warfare, bloodshed and conquest that it's difficult to reconcile such violence with Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. I'm thankful to live under the New Covenant, ONE sacrifice - Jesus'. His blood is all that is needed.

Old Tetament military analogy teaches valuable lessons for our present post-New Testament lives. However, it's pertinent to any discussion on militancy, to hear Paul say

"Our battle is not against flesh and blood (anymore,)

but rather, against principalities, powers, rulers, authorities -"

Ephesians 6: 12

Whether or not we recognize it, we struggle against demonic spiritual beings who present themselves in diabolical opposition against men and women. These spiritual enemies desire the downfall and destruction of human beings, much like the foreign nations who opposed God's chosen people of old. When I read about Moses leading Israel out of slavery in Egypt and Josuah taking possession of the "promised land," I envision a metaphor - GOD delivering me from my past life of godlessness and sin, and guiding me into a spacious freedom, a "new land." I see all the wicked idol - worshiping nations, who GOD drove out before HIS people, as an illustration of spiritual housekeeping, releasing me from my collection of enemies of a past life - SPIRITUAL enemies - pride, bitterness, hatred and the like, are exiled to the far reaches of the galaxy, so I can live in peace.

Don't mistake my understanding of Genesis to Malachi as simply metaphorical. Unlike my college Old Testament professor, with whom I passionately argued, I believe all the events of the Old Testament, even the miraculous and inexplicable stories, actually happened. So, I can stand on their historicity as well as learn from their principles. Many strategies, insights and courageous inspirations can be gleaned from the warfare theodicy of the Old Testament.

Understanding God's heart of Love extending to all nations, with our only mutual enemy being spiritual, invisible, but personal and often tangible, is pertinent to learning from warfare theodicy. To grow in, and live out, victoriously, spiritual warfare, we need to know that "Our struggle is not against flesh and blood." Though humans, under the influences of wicked spiritual beings, can orchestrate whole systems of malevolent intent. When this happens, the enemy seems larger, more human in origin. But he is neither.

What CAN we learn from Old Testament Militancy mentality??

1.) First of all, worship IS warfare. In 2 Chronicles, chapter 20, we see King Jehoshaphat appointing "men to sing to the LORD and to praise HIM for the splendor of His holiness," as they went out at the head of the army, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. GOD's children didn't even have to fight with sword, spear or bow. In Isaiah 30, we find the LORD's fury coming against prideful Assyria,

" The voice of the LORD will shatter ...,

with HIS scepter HE will strike them down.

Every stroke the LORD lays on them

with HIS punishing rod

will be to the music of tambourines and harps,

as HE fights them in battle with the blows of HIS arm."

The Psalms are full of worship as warfare examples. For instance, Ps. 149, which exhorts GOD's people to praise GOD with dancing, tambourine, harp and song, exclaims

"...may the high praises of GOD be in their mouths

and a double-edged sword in their hands

(possibly synonymous weapons),

to inflict vengeance ....and punishment....,

to bind their enemies with fetters, and with shackles of iron,

to carry out the sentence written against them. This," the psalmist reminds US,

"is the glory of ALL THE SAINTS."

I love this Psalm's reminder that the devil has a sentence WRITTEN AGAINST him already...

"Cursed are you (devil)..I (GOD) will put emnity

between you and the woman and her offspring.

He (mankind) will crush your head.."

Genesis 3:14

"..and the devil, who deceived them was thrown into

the lake of burning sulfur,....where he will be tormented

day and night for ever and ever"

Revelations 20:10

His fate is sealed; his time is short. When your enemy comes at you with shameful accuatsions, throw that in his face - and remember to worship.

Finally, Psalm 8, shows us that no-one is too young to join in the battle against GOD's enemy through worship,

"From the lips of children and infants

YOU have ordained praise

because of your enemies,

to silence the foe and the avenger."

2.) Secondly, "Possessing the Land" is a privilege and a command to be enjoyed and obeyed completely.

Taking our "promised land" can be likened to coming into our full salvation when we decide to love and follow Jesus - complete with mind renewal, inner healing from past hurts, freedom from emotional baggage which burdened us upon entry, physical wellness...and the list goes on and on. Old patterns of thinking and worldly perspectives need to be broken down, like the walls of Jericho so "new construction" may readily spring forth...

One can study the idea of militancy and vigilance from the Egyptian Exodus to the Babylonian captivity (the length of Israel's freedom) - but for the sake of time and space, one passage will suffice to speak some powerful analogy.

Exodus 23: beginning at verse 20 GOD tells HIS people that His Angel will go before them and drive out the many peoples who live in the land HE is giving to them. The Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites, and Jebusites (I like to just refer to all these as the "ites") will all "turn their backs and run" as GOD's people worship HIM and follow what HE says. In addition to this housecleaning help, the LORD promises,

"Worship the LORD your GOD

and HIS blessing will be on you food and water.

I (God) will take away sickness from among you

and none will miscarry or be barren in your land.

I will give you a full life span."

Wow!

In verse 29, we are told,

"I will not drive them (the "ites") out in a single year,

because the land would become desolate

and the wild animals too numerous for you.

Little by little I will drive them out before you,

until you have increased enough

to take possession of the land."

How many times, in your walk with Jesus, have you wished that ALL your baggage, (insecurities, fears, doubts, chips on your shoulder, etc.) could just be wiped away at once - like maybe back when you first came to the LORD? And you could just quickly get on with living in freedom and serving and teaching/helping others - all those great purposes HE has for you - unencumbered by sin and it's many forms of residue.

Surly GOD is not slow in keeping HIS promises to us. Here, HE illustrates HIS "One-issue-at-a-time" plan for destruction and reconstruction, or deprogramming and reprogramming in our lives. After 20 years of living in this spiritually contaminated world, it's not uncommon to have collected legions of deceptive patterns of speech and actions, clouded perspective, deep wounds and debilitating scars - all packed quite safely in our heart. Add to this, destructive generational beliefs and sins, carried with us from conception, some unrecognized yet still wielding cutting power in our thinking. The crux of the cleansing problem often lies in the false protection and comfort we tend to feel from these less-than-ideal ideas. It isn't difficult to see why instant removal of all the old junk may not win us everlasting peace and freedom. As we continue to seek GOD and worship HIM, we will find HIM shining HIS light on one issue at a time, little by little removing our enemy enigmas.

One last insight from this Exodus passage can be found in verse 32, where Israel is warned (this warning is repeated numerous times)

"I will establish your borders.... I will hand over to you

the people who live in the land

and you will drive them out before you.

DO NOT make a covenant with them or with their gods.

DO NOT let them live in your land,

or they will cause you to sin against me,

because the worship of their gods will

certainly be a snare to you."

This is pretty tough, but clear. When Jesus shines HIS light on the next "issue" HE wants to deal with in our lives, we are exhorted to allow HIM to drive it out - without compromise. In the book of Joshua, great stories of conquest for Israel are recorded. What can also be seen is GOD's chosen people failing to seek HIM for guidance, making mistakes, making covenants with the "ites" and allowing them to live in their land. We get a glimpse, even vicariously experience, how GOD's mercy mingles with HIS judgement, as Israel continues to be snared, to fail and eventually to fall back into captivity.

Our chances for acquisition of the land and happily dwelling therein are MUCH BETTER than that of our ancient forefathers. Good news!!, because we live after Jesus's sacrifice and resurrection! However, these favorable odds don't diminish the importance of vigilance and militancy in our walk with Jesus.

The Collapsible Pill Cup

In a world that runs crazily 24/7 with noise and activity - even during resting or sleeping hours my head is often full of whirling busy thoughts and plans. I'm ever so thankful for the time spent in our Church's worship service, where the singing and, even the quiet instrumental music, stops so we can be silent before GOD, just to LISTEN for HIS still small voice. I find this practice, in my own private life with JESUS, invaluable - I couldn't survive, steadily, without it.

Recently I've been reminded of this, after spending a week of active vacation with my family, followed by a week of sickness - trying to get better on the run, for I really didn't have time for infirmity. What I also failed to make time for during my two week buzz, was quiet solitude with JESUS. The deficit I felt near the end of this spinning but empty stint, gave way to depressive and anxious thoughts. I'll end this little reminder by just saying that prayer and worship with a friend, and returning to a scheduled time of seeking the LORD in silence turned me around again to steadfast thinking and living.

Back to SILENT LISTENING time in Church...

Yesterday, God put in my mind an image of one of those plastic collapsible pill cups that ladies keep in their purse, sometimes with their days of the week pill cases, so as to take meds conveniently in the middle of the day. Just screw the cap off, twist the cup to its 3 inch height, fill it at the nearest drinking fountain - and your good. When I saw this simple image, I knew the cup represented our "reception" of God's SPIRIT in us, but didn't feel a strongly compelled to share it with the congregation, when the ministry time turned a different direction, I sat on it, then forgot about it. But as I've often found, when GOD wants to teach something, HE"ll bring thoughts back again - with flesh on. This morning as I worshiped, meditated on scripture and listened for HIS VOICE, the plastic cup image returned; this time it seemed to be filled with interpretation and I knew it was for the whole body.

In our spirits, too, there is a receptive "vessel," if you will, into which we may receive living water of GOD's HOLY SPIRIT. This living water, flowing from our bellies and welling up....," (John 7:38) is always available , every moment of a believer's life. BUT, our 'vessels' leak. "We leak," John Wimber, leader of the Vineyard movement for many years, was often quoted as saying. Because of this, we are commanded, instead of being "drunk on wine," "...to be filled.." - continually filled is the connotation of this exhortation - "...with the HOLY SPIRIT." (Eph. 5) Apparently, this condition of being "filled" is a tangible intoxication which effects our thoughts words and actions - like an alcoholic stupor would effect us in a noticeable way.

Many believers, I felt GOD speaking to me, carry their collapsible cups, packed neatly away, only to take them out at church or at shaky times - when a spiritual 'pill' is needed. We sip politely of the SPIRIT, while the HOLY SPIRIT is meant to be POURED OUT in buckets and waterfalls, and bubble up in streams. We should trade in our little plastic cups for wide-mouthed vats carried up on our heads, like those of Indian women returning to the river to draw water. And the drawing must be daily, as a people who live in a dry and weary land, where precipitation is scarce, are compelled to do. If we recognize our need for this HOLY SPIRIT intoxication, may we hear JESUS say to us, as HE invited the woman at the well, "...whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.." (John 4:13b)

Throughout my busy day I like to turn my palms up and open, and ask, "LORD fill me," and WAIT. My husband wrote a song, with part of the chorus, "...we will drink, if YOU will serve.." Good news!.., JESUS is WILLING to serve us a drink, every time we drain our vat. So, lets discard our collapsible cups, Church, stand beneath the waterfall, and drink deep.

Never Say "Never"

"Well..., by process of elimination,"Beth Ann's List of Gifts and Life Purposes" narrowed significantly by one, this week: I was NOT cut out for musical theater. I'm drawn to it, yes, and my three theatrical daughters perform beautifully and continue to grow in this area. But mom will remain in the wings and in the audience, cheering them on and painting their scenes and sets. " - me, middle of august

I wanted to post this to my blog, funny and ironic as it reads back to me now. I recorded these cynical sentiments immediately following my mortifying audition with Riverwalk Theatre.

Since this entry - I have enjoyed a memorable season of ANNIE, performing in the chorus and loving every terrifying minute. I've also participated in the shooting of a short movie - a docu-drama, in which I was pushed beyond my limits of comfort and self-consciousness. Never-the-less, this "non-musical theater" gal will appear, ACTING in a film.

You've heard the old excuse "my dog ate my homework." Well, ANNIE and movie-stardom ate my August and September; here it is the end of October, and I'm, hopefully, back to blogging about the multitude of ways GOD communicates with those HE loves.

Thanks for reading! - love, beth ann

learning to deam - dreaming to learn

When teaching a class on HEARING GOD's VOICE, as I've been doing for 20 weeks now, one becomes ultra attentive to surroundings, thoughts, sensations, atmospheric pressure - O.K. I'm exaggerating a bit. But tuning into details is a good habit to adopt when trying to communicate with a being who doesn't limit HIMSELF to our five natural senses. Dreams are sometimes a good place to begin, because when asleep, minds seem generally less inundated with the business of the day, less analytical, and perhaps more available for spiritual input.

About 6 weeks ago, I awoke with an unsettled feeling, and a vivid picture of myself laying in front of a large machine of sorts, helpless and exposed to radiation. Later that morning I found that, due to the disastrous hurricane in Japan, nuclear reactors had left thousands of people unable to escape dangerous levels of chemical contamination in their own backyards. As I interceded for the Japanese people, with a friend, GOD filled me with HIS compassion. I considered the dream to be FROM HIM, and received the passionate empathy as a motivation to pray often for GOD's children across the globe.

However, all in the same week, a mole, which has decorated my right cheek from childhood, began to act up with pain and unusual growth. Not without a degree of foreboding, I saw a dermatologist, who "didn't like the look of it," and proceeded with removal. Of course, without biopsy or pathology reports, the doctor could not tell me what was going on; the waiting in these kind of situations seems interminable. I began to wonder if my DREAM about radiation exposure was a more personal "preparation." ??

I tried my best to wait and trust GOD for peace of mind, but often my flesh, with all it's anxious "what ifs?" got the best of me. One sleepless night I tossed and turned with worry. I asked myself, and GOD, questions like "what if I have cancer and don't get to see my children's children? or even their weddings? What if cancer metastasizes in my face, (like a good friend - who's funeral I attended last year) - and I have to die a painful ugly death in front of by dear family? I prayed for peace and for my kids and for many other people throughout the night, growing frustrated that sleep eluded me - as did GOD's peace. Near dawn I asked GOD to give me a vision to help me. This is the second time I had specifically asked for a vision, and I'm not sure WHY I did. But when I closed my eyes, sure enough - a vivid picture played before my mind's eye.

I saw a line of winged "soldiers" up on a cliff; they dove down in formation, like the flying monkeys from the wizard of Oz - intent on their mission. As the ANGELS (as they seemed to me) swooped down, behind that line was another 100 or so, and another behind them. Line after line of warriors flying to their battle. My first thought was "cancer" as I asked the LORD who or what are they attacking?? HIS answer came immediately to my thoughts, "They are coming after FEAR."

That was it - but the encounter left me with a profound sense of peace.. and I finally slept. Later that morning, while cleaning a part of my closet, I came upon the program from my friend's funeral - almost as if it were a test to my emotional and spiritual state. Song lyrics adorned the front: "Surely it is GOD who saves me, I will trust in him and not be afraid, for the LORD is my stronghold and my sure defense, and HE shall be my savior." I WASN'T afraid, not then and not for a moment again for the next 4 weeks, at which time I received wonderful news that mine was a benign mole with a ruptured cyst underneath it.

Throughout my weeks of waiting I received many prayers for healing and I felt some sensations, which leave me to believe, surely GOD was at work doing something in my cheek. Until my Face to Face w/ JESUS time, I won't know for sure all that happened, nor the exact purpose of my dream. However, this I know, without doubt's shadow, GOD is pleased when I seek recipricol friendship and communication with HIM. HE calls me to remain attentive, obedient and humble in my interactions with HIM, and in sharing my experiences with you all. If all of life isn't a fun experiment in learning to LOVE and relate to GOD and His other kids, maybe it's all just a dream.

Thanks for reading!

Swimming by the SPIRIT- ?

We kept a junk room in the basement; This is an understatement. A small path,- through knee- high piles of art supplies, books, boxes of elementary, high school and college keepsakes, letters photos, baseball cards, children's artwork, and household cast off furniture,- allowed one brave bushwhacker to cautiously navigate her way to the washer and dryer in the room behind. This 10 x 15 foot warehouse had been collecting precious paraphernalia for the last 10 years, ever since we moved into the house. Sadly, it reminded me of my childhood bedroom, only with more mountainous piles and no bed. When my 13 year old suggested spending last Thursday night on the "family project" of cleaning out and organizing the junk room - an overwhelming flood of exhaustion descended upon me at the mere thought. "Tonight, Daddy and Elliott are watching MSU basketball finals, and that room needs more than an evening; it needs the WHOLE family giving a concerted effort for a couple of Saturdays," I discouraged. Her face set like flint, Kyria persistently pressed on, "we could at least get started; I'll do it myself." More back and forth bantering filled the kitchen, as I tried to dissuade her from taking on an insurmountable task, which would inevitably drag me into more work. Finally, I gave permission for Kyria to begin, while I proceeded to make dinner. She wasn't amid the mess 10 minutes, when she hollered up, "Dad, quick - there's a funny sound down here." By the time Kevin bushwhacked his way to the closet at the far side of the room, moved boxes and shut off the spraying water supply (this is where the water main enters our house,) a thin flood had filled the closet and was spilling into the room. Towels safely absorbed the mess before the puddle destroyed anything important, and visits to our neighbors' procured pitchers of water needed to finish dinner, while we waited for a Board of Water and Light worker to arrive (thankfully, the spraying pipe flowed from their side of the meter.) While we waited, we marveled that we had been home, not out for the evening, or in even Florida, which would certainly have allowed our entire basement to fill like a giant swimming pool. At the rate of our junk room "shower" pouring into the room, our trash and treasures would have sunk within a half hour, if nobody had caught the leak. It took handy dandy BPW man only 15 minutes to arrive, and another 10 to replace the pipey gadget - a gasket. After all was resolved and while BPW man was leaving, we asked him, "What happened??" "Oh, common problem," he told us nonchalantly, "these things corrode and rust out over the years. This one just gave out and broke." "No way.. you mean, it was just it's "time"... right now, to BUST and spray?" "Yup." Well, it may be a common occurrence for gaskets to corrode and break after x -many years, but what seems uncommonly providential is Kyria's sudden and unquenchable desire to clean the junk room at the exact minute the thing gave out, and began showering our basement. OR - maybe GOD's looking out for us, by prompting us to move in certain directions, or follow certain desires is not as rare as we may think. MAYBE, HE does this kind of thing often, and some times we sense HIS stirrings and sometimes we miss them. Maybe "walking by the SPIRIT," is no more mysterious than talking to GOD often, learning to recognizing the way HE speaks and following HIS gentle whispers - in our day to day lives. Most of the family was pulled into the Thursday night project, as it turned out, and Kyria diligently continued it on Friday. About a dozen bags of garbage were generated and in the end we reclaimed one cleaned out art and crafts room. The more significant gain of the weekend is a lesson in sensitivity to the "nudges" of GOD. In our case, we're very thankful Kyria was "walking by the spirit," instead of "swimming by the spirit."