Blind date part ten

Abby decided to talk to Matt.she waited until the afternoon. She tried to get tons of worsk done so that the evening was free. She drove hesitantly.she did not see his car in the drive way. She considered coming back later. She decided to go in.
She parked in there drive way. She got out of the car. She knocked on the door. The door opened,it was his sister Kathy.
"Hi is mat home?"Abby asked. "No not yet. Mom has a family rule you have to be home before five. He should be home soon. " Kathy said.
"Maybe I should come back later. I don't want to disturb your family time. " she said. "Non sense come on in.you must be Abby.I'm Kathy his favorite sister. "She said. Abby laughed.
"Its good to meet you. "Abby said. "Come on. I will introduce you to the family."Kathy said. Abby was nervous. She wanted to talk to mat in private not meet his whole family. She was afraid they would hate her. She was very independent not exactly independent fubdimentle Baptist.
Kathy escorted Abby to the front room. " hi everyone this is Abby a friend of mat!"Kathy said. Abby was really embarrassed. "Hello I'm Bob Campbell this is my wife Anna."he said. "Matt told me your news congratulations"she said. "Thank you we are both really excited. "Anna said.
"How do you know Matt ?"Bob asked. "A matural friend of ours tried to set us up on a blind date. "She said. "I remember that he went on a blind date.he was pretty cryptic about it.we have presed him on. That was with you !"Bob said.
"Yes. We we're not what either of us expected. "Abby said. "How so?"Anna asked. "Well I am a student at a less orthodox bible college."she said. "How less ?"Bob asked. "I am going to a seminary that usually trains minister for United church of chrust!"Abby answered.
"Oh!"Bob said . "are you training to be a minister?"Anna asked. "Yes  am."She said. My goose is coooked she thought.
"Do you believe in the mericles in the bible ?"he asked. "Yes I do. I believe in a literal reserection of Christ. I believe that the children of Israel did cross the red sea not the reed sea!"she answered.
"Do you that Jesus is the only way or are there other ways of salvation " mats brother Tim asked. "I believe that there is only one way to salvation."Abby said.
"The u.c.c is rather wishy washey on the subject. "Bob said ."yes They are. They like to hem and haw on the subject. "Abby admitted.
"How would you handle such a topic?"Bob asked. "I don't know. I do feel strongly about it. "She said.
"Why did you join the u.c.c? There are denominations that are more orthodox yet ordain women ? Like the United Baptist?" he asked.
"My mother was an atheist .my farther had been a minister but left it before I was born. He stoped going. U to found his bible and read it. I went to the nearest church.it was u.c.c.the minister befriended me and I got scholarships so I went with them. "She said.
"So let me get this straight. You are a ministerial student who went on a few dates with my son.he broke it off now you want to resume it?"Bob asked. "Pretty Mitch! Look I have a great deal of respect for you.if you want me to leave I will. I don't want to step on your toes."Abby said.
"No that won't be necessary. I want to get to know you. "Bob said ."I am not totally sure why I am hear.I really wanted to talk to him. To see if something could be worked out."Abby said.
Matt drove home. He saw what he thought was baby's car in the driveway. He saw her bumper sticker."our church accepts everyone."  he knew it was her. Why was she hear? He thought to himself. He parked then went inside.
He saw Abby. There eyes met. He caught himself smiling.she always had that affect on him. "Ab? What are you doing hear?"mat asked. "I was hoping to talk to you!"she said. Alisha another daughter came in. "Am I setting another place for Abby?"Alisha asked. "Oh I can't stay. "Abby said ."we would love it."Anna said. "I don't want to impose !"Abby said. "Its not at all."Bob said.she looked at Matt. "You should stay!"Matt said.
She wondered was he inviting her to dinner or into his life ? "Ok I will stay!"she said. "Set an extra place at the table al!"her farther said.
Everyone went to the kitchen table."you can sit hear next to Matt and Kathy. "Bob said. They Sat down.Apearently they all joined hands during prayer. She was a bit uncomfortable with it. He extended his hand so she took it.
As everyone was getting food . she thought this feel right. She wondered was This something that could be later or something that could have been but never was. Would this be a great memory or would it haunt her.
"It will May take a little while for me to remember all your names."Abby said. "We have hard time remembering them at times. " Kathy said. "You did not give them all j or h names."Abby said. "We were not not planing but not planning to have this many !"Anna said.
"Do you have any siblings?" Tim asked. "I do. I have an older brother and two younger sisters. "She said.
After dinner everyone brought dishes to the dish washer. Abby helped alisha clear the table. 
Matt kinda took a step back. He kinda guesed why she was hear. He had no idea why he would do. His farther went over to him. "It took a lot of courage for her to come today. I can't believe I'm saying this but don't be so quick to walk away. " he said. "Ok I will keep that in mind."he said.
Things started to die down. Matt went over to Abby. "Do you want to go to the porch?"he asked."ok!"she said. The two went to the porch. They Sat down on the steps.
"So I came. To talk to you. Matt I know we have a lot of differences. I really like you. I don't want to loose you. Look if you really don't think this Will work or you just don't want to be with me I will walk out and you will never hear from me again. " she told him.
He thought it over. "No I'm not going to do that. That is not what I want. " he said. "Look I don't have any answers. I wish I did. I am not sure why I am hear. I can't just walk away.not without at least coming to you first. "She said.
"I want to take it slow. I do want us to explore a relationship. "He said. "I'm ok with going slow. I just want you in my life. I understand we have hurdles."she said. "I am willing to give it a chance . I'm in if you are. " he said. "I'm in !"she said. She started to hug him. She realized that this might not be appropriate so she recoiled.he hugged  her. They held on to each other for a while.
"I really like your family. " Abby told him. " I think you made quite an impression. "Mat said."oh great. "She said. "I think they like you. I hope they did not give you too much trouble?"he asked. "They we're fine!"she said.
After a while she decided she should probably go. "I should get going. "She said. "Ok I'm glad you stop by. "Matt said. "I am too!" she said .
He walked her to her car. " I will talk to you later!"he said ."you got it!"she said. He started to walk away then he stoped and hugged her. Then she got into the car and left.he watched her leave.
He went inside. He went to see his dad. "We are going to give it a try. "Matt said. "I knew That. Look mat it's not going to be easy. Who she is today may not be who she always is. Both your mom and I did not have it together when we started dating. Mariege is two sinners coming together. You two have hurdles. You wil have to get together and hash some of this out. Mayby that is the point ,together. Perhaps it time to think of each other as being on the same team. "He said.
Abby went home. "You have been gone a while! "Jill said. "I ended up having dinner with Matt's family. Then we talked a lot ."she said.
"are you too a couple again?"Jill asked "I think so. I did not bring my Matt to English dictionary but I believe so. "She said. "You two are either are the cutest couple or the weirdest or a little both of both. " Jill said.
That night matt' mom and dad talked. "So have we met our new daughter in law?"Anna asked ."I'm prety sure we have. "He said. "I figured. "She said.
End of part ten.
 

Blind date part 9

Mat and Abby were the unlikely of couples. Matt was very conservative . he was a traditionalist. Abby was not liberal exactly but not an independent fundamentalist. The two decided to part ways. Well mat did. The two went in very separate directions.
Both attempted to date other people. It went badly for both. They decided to not attempt that again for a while.they decided to wait.wait for what they were not sure of but they were waiting never the less .
Abby was quite busy. She had cases and studies. She also was helping at a local church. She preached ,was involved in commities,church yard sales and other activities in the church and in the community.
Matt was buisy himself. He had classes. He also helped out his dad with pastoral duties and preaching. He found out he was going to be a big brother again.
She still thought about him. He did not think about her as much.at the same time,he did think about her on occasion.
"Ok Abby it's time to relax!"her roommate said. "I will but I am on  a role!"Abby wull.  "You said that three hours ago and three hours before that. " Jill remarked.
"I know . I Wil stop. Now!"she said.she had been sitting crosed legged . she got up. "I am getting a little Hungary now that I think of it!"she said. She was heading for the kitchen.she started to collapse. Jill headed to her.
"I'm ok!"Abby said. "You need to get to the hospital!"Jill told her. "I'm fine!"Abby responded. "You have two chooses.option one I drive you to the e.r option two I call. 911!"Jill told her. "Ok drive me. I don't want ride in an ambulance . "she said.Jill helped Abby into the car. They drove to the hospital.
Jill got an orderly to get a wheel chair for Abby. Abby was taken to the e.r.she was checked out.then she was admitted.
Jill waited in a waiting room . she had abbys cell phone.she looked though her contact list and found Matt. She dialed it.
Matt was mowing the lawn. He heard his phone gone off.he saw that it was Abby. He was surprised to hear from her. He pushed the button to answer.
"Hi abb what's up!"he said."hi Matt it's Jill abbys roommate."she said.
He got really scared. Was she ok? Did something happen to her? "Is abb ok?"he asked. "She was studying and she started to feel wobbly.she is at the hospital. I am waiting to hear back from the doctor.I thought you should know !" Jill said.
"Thank you for telling me ! I will be right over. I will get hear as soon as I can!"he told her. He. Immediately went to his car and drove to the hospital. He got as fast as he could within the traphic law of course.
He was directed to the floor He was in. Floods of fears went though her mind. He went though a fliry of diagnoses known of them good. He was a preacher not a doctor. He told himself to calm down. It might not be the worst case syinerio.he had to be positive. He had to be strong.
He found Jill. "Matt I just heard from the doctor. She is going to be fine. Apearently our little miss workaholic over did it and became dihydrated. She is being given fluids.she should be released tomorrow. They are keeping her for observation. "Jill said.
"They are sure it is just dehydration?"Matt asked. "Yes they are. They are not worried.I intend to keep a closer her on her hydration which she will love. "Jill said.
The elevator door opened, a man in a trench coat and suit came in. Matt did not recognize him but Jill did. Jill knew him from the seminary. It was the reverend Michael clendon.
"Is Abb ok?"clendon asked. Matt got relay uneesey when he used one of the pet naimes he used. So did Jill.
"She is fine. She just got a little dehydrated. "Jill told her. Matt noticed that Jill did not talk to clendon in quite the same way.
"Who are you?"clendon asked."I'm Matt cambel I am a friend of Abby. You are?"he asked.
  "I am the reverend Michael clendon. I was in seminary with Abigail. "He said. Matt was not too impresed with Mike. He senced that Jill was not either.
"I had never heard about you. You must not be too important in her life."clendon remarked. Matt did not say anything in response. "Wait I know who you are. Your the fundy that broke abbygail's heart!" mike said.
Jill was not pleased with clendon. Perhaps mike felt threatened by Matt.Matt had never seen the man in his life. He had no feelings for or against.  "That is probably true!"Matt admitted.Jill did not think that was fair.
Jill was hoping that Michael would leave. There was no sign that he was about to leave. She did not think that the two would get into a fist fight but one never knew.
Jill was allowed to come in to see Abby. Abby was hooked up to an I.v.she was clad in a hospital gowan."Jill no lecture!"Abby said. "That's no fun but ok. I figure the doctor and nurses have given you plenty of lectures. "Jill said. "They have. "Abby said.
"Just be more careful please. You gave me quite a scare. Lets not do that again!"Jill pleaded with her. "I will be more carefull. I promise. I will drink more water and stay hydrated. " Abby said.
"Oh you have visitors ! They are waiting in the lobby."Jill told her. "Who are they? "She asked. "The reverend Michael clendon. "Jill Told her. "He is hear? How did he find out?"Abby asked. "I have no idea. "Jill assured her. "Who is the other visitor ?"she asked. " it's Matt !" Jill answered her.
"Mats hear?'she asked. She was almost agitated."he is in the lobby.he and mike have an uneasy truce. Matt is verry easy going and laid back. He is not giving in to Mike's goading. "Jill said .
"How did he find out?"Abby asked."I called him. I figured he would want to know. He got hear prety quickly.I think he actually went the speed limit."Jill commented. "Yea he kinda has the opposite of a led foot. I think my 90 year old great grandmother drives faster then he does. " Abby said.
"They both want to see you. "Jill said. "Get Matt in hear. I don't want to think about mike right now. " she said.Jill smiled. "That is what I thought you say. I will be right back!"Jill said.
Matt was reading a boating magazine. " so you are a king James hyim singing Christian that wants women barefoot pregnant and silent in the church. " mike said.
"I do use the king James.I sing hyims. Technicaly you are correct but I don't ageee with the way you have constructed that statement. "Matt answered.
"The bible contains the word of God no doubt. Is every word inspired by God? I would say not necessarily. There are things that got added. Things that have become part of the Canon but may not be devinly inspired.some things reflect the culture of the day. Paul Grace alone apart from works was probably not according to the Lord . "he said.
The door opened, Jill came out. "Matt Abby is asking for you!"Jill said. "Is she asking to see me?"Michael asked."she has not yet!"Jill replied. 
Matt opened the door and went inside. "If your going to lecture me please don't I got an earful from Jill and the staf. "Abby said.
"I'm not going to lecture you."he said.he went over and gave her a great big hug. She did not let him go right away.
"I over did it Matty I tend to do that "she told her. "Well I am glad your ok.I hope you will be carefull. "He said."I will I promise . "she said. "Good! I won't lecture you any more . reverend Abby. "He said.
"Hear we go with the reverend Abby thing. How have you been?"she asked."good buisy but good.it's seems I am going to be a big brother again. "He said."congrats. What is this ?child number twenty?"she asked."funny no number eight." he said. "Ok my bad!"Abby said .
"So mike who is he?"Matt asked. "He was completing his docterite when i started. He is now ordained. He has a crush on me. "She said.
"I assume it is one sided"?he asked."very much so . well I did go on one date just to see if a relationship was doable but it is not. "She said."you went on a date ?"he asked."it was just for coffee. I was one on the rebound from you. "She said. "Oh! I went on one date myself.She was sweet but it went no where. "He said.
"I am glad you stoped by. It is good to see you. "She told him. "Its good to see you. Take it easy please."he said. "I will."she said.
He left the room.mat walked away.he went to his car and went home. He had some time before lunch. He went to his room. He did some thinking.
A week later Matt was working on a surmon that he would preach on Sunday. His phone went off.the caller I.d said that it was reverend Abby. He hoped That this is not a medical emergency. He hit the answer button.
"Hello!" Matt said. "My car broke down. I have no idea why. "Abby said."where are you?" he said. "I am in granger. "She said ."ok I am on my way. " he said.
He immediately jump in his car.he found her.he parked next to her. "I know I'm hopeless. " she said. "Its fine! I'm happy to help. "Matt said.
He was able to get started. He thought it was fixed. "Look I will follow you home. " he said. "Ok thanks. Will you always come to my rescue?"she asked. "Yea I will."he said.
"Good. I will try to not have it be too inconvenient of a time. "She said. "Oh ok! " he said."thank you for coming. I'm not usually like this. " she said ."I know that. "He said.
"So did mike finally see you ?"he asked."he was not going away. I decided to finally let him in. I could not get rid of them .Jill finally ran interference for me. " she said.
He followed her home. They made it home. "Thank you. "She said."no problem. " He said.
That night Abby took a break from work and focused on thinking. "Why don't you talk to him ?" Jill asked. "It won't do any good. There are just too many issues. Too many differences. We just can't work this out. "Abby told her.
"Are you sure? Go talk to him. See if you can work this out. "Jill said. "Alright I will go see him tomorrow. "She said.
She had no idea If this was a good idea or not but she going to see him the next day.

After the date (the party )

Tim and Nicky finally went on a date.the date went very well. They had been friends for a few years. They had a ten year age gap as well as very different life experiences. Such a union seemed unheard of. Right now they were in the early phase.
They got done the first date. Tim had a good time. He felt darned. He liked to process things. He never liked to from from one thing to another. Of course not long after getting home his phone rang.
Without even checking the caller I'd,he knew who it was. It was his sister Melissa.
"Hey missy!"he said. "How did it go?"she asked. "Uh good!"he answered. "That seemed hesistent."She said. "Oh no it went good. "He said. "Not great though ?"she asked in a follow up question. "No it we by fine. I am pleased with how it went!. "He said.
"There is something though "she said. "There might be a concern !"he said. "Ok what is it?"she asked. "The night went rely good. As we were leaving she took my hand,I was not sure physical contact is warranted at this early a juncture. Then she hugged me before we said our good nights. "He said.
"So the night went very good. Except she hugged you and held your hand
Did you tell her that ?"she asked. "No I did not."he said. "Now you have established a precedence. If you move away or recoil the next time ,she will think that you are mad or something. If you really don't think it is appropriate you need to  express that to her and soon. "She said.
"You think I am making a mount on out of a mole hill?"he asked. "From what I have heard right now yes. I suspect you think it might be a smaller issue then your making it!"she said.
"Perhaps. It is not a deal breaker. It is something that took me a back. "He said. She laughed. "Your so uptight!"she remarked. "No I'm not. "He said. "You really are. You have been for as long as I can remember. "She said.
"Its just awkward right now. I have not been on a date in quite a while. It a weird that she is the daughter of someone who is currently In my Sunday school class and who I serve with on the bored of trustries. "He said.
'I don't think this is a big concern.at least it does not need to be. "He told him."no your probably right."he said."remember she is young. You know she is a godly person.con the too harsh on her. We all live by Grace."she said. "I know that ."he said. "Good!"she answered.
When Nicky came home her while family was waiting in the living room. They all wanted a full report. She could not blame them,they were a close family. It made sense that they would be curious.
  "How did it go?"her younger sister asked. "It went very good!"she said. She tried not to smile too much.she found it hard to do so. "We can tell!"her younger brother said everyone laughed.
They noticed that she was beaming from ear to ear. She was normally fairly reserve. She was not an introvert by any means but not an extrovert. Today was different.
Her parents were supportive of the relationship. They knew she had a crush on her for a while. They saw it go from a crush to something more.
That night her parents talked about it."so what do you think about Nick and Tim?"her mom asked. "I am trying not to !"he said jokingly. She laughed. "I think this is a good thing. "He said. "I do too. We might be planing a wedding soon!"she said. "I am not ready to think about That !"he said. She laughed.
The next day was Sunday. Tim taught a class on bible survey course.He enjoyed it very much.he had designed the course consulting other material.
In the time between the Sunday school and the morning service,Tim looked for her farther. Bob Hilliard sold insurance. He was also an avid outdoorsman. 
Tim could not believe he was doing this.he felt like a teen. It was odd. He and Bob had worked together on the trustries and other commities. Bob even was under him in some cases.
He went over to him . "hi Bob!"Tim said."hi Tim!"bob said.
"Bob I wanted to talk to you. I would like to continue seing your daughter. I am not ready to formerly court her. I would like your permison to continue to pursue her. I do not want to step on your toes. I value your opinion. I hope I can have your blessing to continue. "Tim said.
"I figured that this was coming! I have known you for several years now. You are an important part of the church. I see no reason to object to you and her continuing to see each other. You have my blessing to continue. "He said.
"Thank you I appreciate that. I am determined to do right by your daughter and you with the lords help."Tim told Bob. "I know that. "Bob said.
While Bob hated the thought of his little girl growing up,he was supportive of her and Tim. He felt that God was bringing the two of them together. While he would perfer she not start dating until she turned  sixty ,he knew that That was probably not likely no should it be. It was a good thought. At least he thought so.
Tim then looked for Julie. He found her. She skilled when she saw him. "Hi "she said. They Sat together during the service. He knew that this would raise some eyebrow. They during together might be a topic of conversation and speculation by people in the church.
Tim was a fairly private person. He was not an introvert by any means but he liked his space. He kept some things private. He like to have boundries. This was unusual for him. It was a bit uncomfortable. He did not relish the thought of being the topic of conversation. This was a smal church in a smal town. It was only natural that people would talk. He stil was uncomfortable with it.
After church he walked her to her car.
She just kept smiling. He liked her smile. They said there good buys .
In the afternoon,she heard that he asked her farther for permission to seem her. "What did you tell him"?she asked. "I told him no ? "Her farther said jokingly. "Did you really?"she asked."no I wanted to say it in jest but I figured I had better not!"Bob said."he would probably have a heart attack."she said ."I did say yes."he said."I'm glad!"she said. " I have to know do you see this going beyond what it is now?"he asked."I really do !"she said.
He knew the answer to that question.for the most part He was ok with that. He was ok with it as he could be.the relationship was stil new.it was very much in it's infant stage. A lot could happen. It was hard to know what would happen next.
End of part three
Notes
In part one I called her Julie.part two I called her Nicky.this post I called her both. Perhaps her name is Nicole Julie or Julie Nicole. It was an oversight. I am not sure which name I will go with.

Forces

In the last philosophy topics,we looked at influence. Mankind is constently under influence. What about another kind of influence? What other things out of our control?what about unseen forces?
For example you plan to spend the after noon cleaning your basement. Then you get a knock on the door. You are visited by friends. They stay all afternoon. You don't get any cleaning done.
Another example is the citty of Pompeii. They were not expecting the volcano at mount vesuvius to erupt. Monty python a spoof once said that no one expects the Spanish inquisition.
The movie "mosquito coast "illustrates the idea that man is not always in control of his destiny. Aly Fox an invented disulisoned with America and God moves to an African nation .he run into murcinaries ,his invention exploding and contaminating the area. Then he has a run in with misonaries and he was killed.
If man kind is influenced by unforeseen forces. Does anyone control these forces or are they random?
  The ancient Greek philosophers came up with the idea of atoms.the universe was made of atoms.events were basically random.
The bible teaches that God controls every event of our lives. How much does he control. What about free will?
Is God sovereign.for a Christian the answer is yes. How far does that go.
The diest believed that God created the world then left. It is often called the watch theory. Basically God sent a clock.
Rabi Kushner believed that God is not involved in the big things. Basically he is involved in the big picture.
The bible teaches that God is sovereign.it teaches that God I'd involved in every detail of life. He sometimes allows man kind to make bad decisions.he knows what cod happen. He has a plan for everything. 
Every event is part of Gods over all plan for humanity. His purpose is always fulfied. God permits all things. Nothing goes without his knowledge or constent.
God does not always punish evil right away. Some times he wait. Some times he waits s to give evil man an opotuniy to repent. As in the case of nebukanazer he uses wicked man to accomplish his goals. In the end evil will be judged.
From Gods perspective,there is no such thing as unseen forces. From man's perspective there is. Man cannot predict every contingency. We cannot predict the unplanned visit or volcano eruption. Man is not the master of his own destiny. That realization brings us to consider that we are finite. Despite that we are created in Gods image. God desires that we can come to him In faith.

Case of the next door neighbor (part three)

Tess was a stay at home mom. Well for the most part.she ran a consulting firm. The firm mostly did back ground check usually for non prophets. This was a compromise with her husband.
Her husband was old fashioned. He wanted her to be a stay at home mom. She had been in the military and liked to work.
  There was a saying,tessi did not have to go looking for trouble,trouble found tessi. At the next house,a man tried to break in. A young wife was forced to open fire killing the man.
The police arrived almost immediately. The police and crime scene unit collected evidence. They interviewed witnesses.they canvases the neighborhood.
Detective Morgan and his partner detective Greer returned to the station. "Detectives good! We have identified the deceased would be home invader. "The chief said.
"Who is it?"Greer asked. "Micheal Aden Glover , age 29. He has been in and out of jail and probation . he is a petty criminal. Everything from shop lifting to pick poket,breaking and entering and the like. " the chief said .
"This might be a robbery gone bad."Greer said. "Never trust the obvious conclusion. Sometimes they lie. "Morgan said. "While that is quite a clinical view he has a point. I want you to go to Glover"s apartment. "The chief said.
The two detectives went to the apartment where Glover lived .the superintendent of the building opened the door.
The apartment had a kitchel,living room bed room and bathroom. The apartment was spartin. There was a glass table and a recliner. That was it. The place hardly felt lived in.
They looked around. All over the house was tons of pictures. The pictures were all of tess. There was teas at the playground,tess at the super market. Tess at church. The whole unit was a shrine dedicated to tess.
"Oh my!.Greer said. "We need to contact the chief now! The senior detective said.
  Tess answered the door. She recognized the man. It was Josh tester. Tester was an independent journalist. He studied charity and non prophets. "Come on in. Cofee?"she asked. He had coffee with cream and surger they Sat down.
"So what do you have on the Sudan relief fund?"she asked. "The charity itself is really good. All donations go to help the people of south Sudan."she said. "Why do I sense a but?"she asked.
"There seams to be an interlocking cooperate directorship with an arms company that provides security for the charity arm. Under the agreement in Copenhagen,benprossor cooperation can operate in south Sudan only to protect the relief efforts. I have documented evidence of benprossor corps in areas that the refuge relief centers were not. I can't prove it but I suspect that prosercorp is using the charity to justify it's presence in south Sudan. "He said.
"I assume they are selling to both sides in the conflict?"she asked. "That is what I suspect. "He said. "So the relief group does what it claims to do?"she asked. "As far as donations going to Sudanese people,they are great. I suspect it is a front !"he said.
"With everything I have seen,I have to advise the church to not support the s.s.r.f. I am going to ruffle some feathers . "she said.
"I don't deny the quandry your in. There are not Manny relief groups operating there. "He said.
"Do you know why they are doing this?"tess asked. "That I have not determined yet. It could be for a multitude of reasons. " tester said.
"I will study the documents you have given to me. I have some time before I have to give a report to the deacons but people are getting antsy. " she said.
"I gave you a list of people who have done investigative work on the group.please contact them !"he said."I will!"she said.
Sudenly outside several police cars arrived on the property. The two were startled. Detective Morgan and Greer went up the stairs.
They opened the door. "Hi detective!"tess said. "Who is this?"Morgan asked. "Josh tester ,he is an independent journalist and blogger. He is consulting with me on a case. "Tess said.
"Can we talk in private ?"Greer asked."ok!"tess said. Tess was really confused. Why were they hear. She went over to a corner with the two detectives. "We no longer think that this was a break in gone bad. We think he got the wrong house !"Morgan said. "We think that you were the target !"Greer said.
"Me?"she asked. "The descendent was stalking you. He had a shrine in your horror. Look we need to put you into protective custody."he said.
"Why? The man is dead. The threat is over is it not?"she asked. "I think so. I am not taking a chance. Until we are sure I want you protected. I want to know what we are feeling with. "Morgan declared.
While she was reluctant to go along with this,she knew she really did not have a choice. Her experience with law enforcement taught her not to challenge them on things like this. She was not totally sure that the detectives fear was unwarranted.
She would not admit it but she was not sure she was totally safe. She was not sure her family was safe. She decided not to fight it too much.
"Look we want to get you out of this house. Is there some place you can go a relative?"Greer asked. "My mom lives in the next town over. " she said. "Call her. See you can go there.we want to check the house for servalience devices explosives anything else." Morgan said .
"Alright! I suppose I have to tell my husband.he is going to freak out!"she declared. "We want to get him protection as well. "Greer said. "I figured. "She said. "Do you want us to tell him or do you want to tell him?"grer asked. "He will flip out either way!"she said.
"Look the guy with you. The blogger. You trust him?"Morgan asked. "I have known him for years. He is a good guy. Are you just being cacious?"she asked. "I never assume anything. "Morgan said.
She called her mom. She got pwrmison to stay at her house. She called her husband. They met at a church picnic. She was very girlie at least in civilian life. As s child her Barbie doles were spies who stoped Ken who was a Hamas sleeper cell member from killing a tedy bear who was the Israeli ambassador but any ways.
He did not tell her that she had been in the military. She had left before they met. She did not tell him until they had bean on a few dates. He hardly knew what a gun looked like. She suspected were he not a fundy,he would be a liberal anti gun activist. 
He wanted to be the bread winner.he was a c.p.a and made good money.he could provide for her. She did not have to work. He wanted her to be a stay at home mom but she wanted to work. They compromised.she could work from home. Her cases had to be back check grounds nothing dangerous . no James bond stuf he said. "Try and stop me!"he said. "They are just being carefull. "She said. " I'm not reassured yet Tessa pod!" he said. "I tried. Don't panic brad! "She said. "I am coming to the house. We can go to gloria's house from there together. "He said. "I knew that. Brad your going to stay calm right?"she said. "Yes I am. "He said. "Ok ! I will see you soon. I love you!"She said. "I love you!"he said.
While she teased him over his protective nature and his less then macho narure,she knew that there was nothing he would not do to protect her and there kids. She knew if they were in danger ,no threat stood a chance against him.
While she would never admit it,she was spooked. She knew that the detectives were not convinced that the threat was over and neither was she. 
End of part three.

The date (part two of the party)

Tim and Nicky had liked each other for a while. There were obstacles. They were. 12 years difference between them. She was 21,he was 33. There was other differences.he was a business owner and she was a recent bible college graduate. She grew up in an I.f.b church. He was converted in his twenties.
There were other differences as well. It seemed unlikely that they could make it as a couple. In Manny cases those differences do not decide as much as they could.
Tim could not believe that he had gone though with It. As the day of the date close closer,he got even more nervous.
She was nervous and excited at the same time. She was glad that the day had arrived. She spent quite some time getting ready for the date.
She put on a pink t shirt and Gray skirt and flip flops. She styled her hair.she waited for him to arive.
She got really nervous waiting for him.what if it did bot work out? Would there friendship servive.she started to think of every doomsday synerio she could think off. Then she calmed down. lookBecided not to get bent out of shape about it.
He was two minutes ahead of what he said. That sounds just like him.she laughed.she figured that was how he was. He tended to be task oriented and time conscious.
She came out and went to the car. He smiled at her when he saw her. She smiled back. She got in. "You lookB really nice tonight!"he said. "Thank you. You look handsome yourself!"she said.
They drove to the restaurant. They went inside and seated. "I can't believe we are hear!"he said."this restaurant is not hard to get into !"she said in a tounge in cheek fashion."I can't beleve. We are hear together. "He said.
"Wha made you decide to ask me out?"she asked. "I thought about it for a while. I was not sure you would say yes. You might not want to be seen with an old geezer."he said.
"I suspected you liked me. I was not sure. "She said. "I was really afraid that you would say no!"he remarked."really?I have liked you for a while!"she said. "I thought so but sometimes men misterpret simple greetings as something more. The your so veign you probably think Nicky likes you!"he said. She laughed.
"I thought you liked me but I feared you might think I was immature !"she said."I have observed you over the years sense your family came to the church. I saw you grow in maturity and in your relationship with the Lord."he said."that means a lot. I think it is hard for people to see passed the teen Nicole of so long ago!"she said."I think more people have noticed that you are aware!"he said.
"You are bot that old. Besides when your 82 I will be 70. "She said. "When you put it that way. "He said. They both laughed.
"Man I Love that smile!"he thought to himself. "So when did you first like me?"she asked. "The first time I ever even considered it was when you came home from college the first time. When we stayed at church until the church custodian threw US out so he could clean!"he said. "I forgot about that. I totally lost tract of time that day "she said. "So did I? It was so not like me!"he said.
"I like had a crush on you sense high school!"she said."really! We never talked except an occasional high and hand shake until pastor curtas stoped the one in the bound of love routine!"he said.
"You made an impression. Of course I was a teen in a town that even lake wo be gone forgot about!"she said."I wanted to ask you out over the summer of your freshman into sophomore year. You stated dating trevor!"he said.
"He is a good guy. He is on a Sumer missions trip. We both felt it was not God's will. "She said.
"I expected you to date someone else.I did not want me to be a rebound date. "He said. "After Trevor ,I decided to take a step back. I did not want to date everyone in sight. I was a bit guy crazy. I decided to back off. "She said.
"I backed off for a time. I decided to wait. I had no idea when the right time was!"he said. "Now is perfect! To tell you the truth I was begging to founder if you had lost interest. "She said."not at all. I am am accountant at heart. I like to cross my ts and dot my eyes."here told her.
"I figured that about you!"she said.
"I gues maybe I went overboard. I almost talk myself out of it.now that I did not want. I was scared of rejection."he said. "Becuase your so old?"she asked jokingly. "That is definitely part of it. What if you don't like my  table manners or my endless resitation of Obscure facts."he said.
"Well! Your table manners are fine. I don't see the obscure facts being a deal breaker yet!"she said. "Oh ok! I think I am very scared that if this did not work,it would end our friendship." he said.
"I had that fear as well. "She told him."I decided that I felt like I was at liberty to ask you out. "He said. "I knew you were interested but I was wondering when you were going to ask me out. I admit I got a little restless. I considered asking you out myself although I am not sure it is proper. " she commented. They both laughed.
"So was inviting me to the graduation party a way of tipping my hand?"he asked. "A little bit. "She said. "I see. I was afraid you might say no!"he said."I was not going to say no!"she said. "I see!"he said.
"So I have to know,is this just a casual date? Is marriage a possibility?"she asked. "No I would he perused this if I did not think mariege was a viable option. I definitely think marriage is a possibility.I am at a place in my life where I don't want to cassuly date. Is marriage between US a possibility for you?"he asked.
"Yes it is. While I am younger ,I did bot date in high school,mostly because I was homeschool, I regret dating the way I did in college. I believe if I date now it should be to someone I could marry!"she said.
"Excelent I hoped so. "He said. "If you want to lay off the recitation of obscure facts that would be ok"she said jokingly.
"For the record I did not bring up lake woobegone!"he said. "Oh ok!"she said. He paid the Bill then they left. She took his hand. He was not too keen on hand holding but Decided to go with it.
They went to the car. "I had a good time today. I am glad we got to do this!"she said. "Me too! "He said.
They engaged in smal talk until they arrived at her parents house. "We will have to make aragement to get together again soon . provided your bot sick of me !"he said. "No not yet! I will let you know!"she said."ok fair enough!"he said. She hugged him.he did not feel that physical contact was warranted at this juncture but let it go.
He watched her go in. Then he drove home. He had a good night.he felt mentally exhausted.he felt a bit overwhelmed.he was pleased with how the night went.he needed time to catch his breath.
End of part two.

Blind date part 8

Mat and Abby have gone there seperate ways. It seemed perhaps never to reconnect.returning to what they knew.
Abby had reconnected with a fellow seminary student. A recent graduate named Michael clendon. He really liked her,he had for a while. She always held back. He never understood why.in his mind,they were perfect for each other. She did not see it that way. They were both interlecuals.
  He had a dream of them pastoring local churches and working together.he hoped he could convince her to date him. So far it had been less then successful.
She agreed to meat Mike at a local cafae. She went in and saw Michael.Michael was usually very serious. He was not sour but was usually serious. When he laid eyes on you,he smiled. He got out and shock her hand.
"I am so glad to see you ab!"he said.she tried to hide her shock and dismay at him using the Nick name mat had used. She was careful not to dwel on it. It was not his fault. She was not mad at him. She tried to move on.
"So are you going to accept a church or are you content to being the district superintendents lackey?"she asked. "I do enjoy my work for the district. Pastor richmount is planing to retire this year. I hope to be in the running. I must confess my heart is more in the administration of a district then an individual church. I suspect you will find a church and stay there for a time. "He said.
"I want to build up a local congregation. It take time!"she told him. "I am more about the big picture. I want to transform an area for the gospel I suppose."he said. "A big picture starts by developing a series of little pictures Mike !"she told him."true I suppose ab. I prefer to direct others to do the small picture!"he said.
She really wished he would stop calling her by that name. She did not want to sa anything . she did not want to explain why.
"I know we need those who direct the big and the smal. "She said. "That is why we would be a great couple Abigail. We would compliment each other. "Mike said.
If there was anything she hated more then being called ab by anyone besides mat,it was being Abigail.she felt like she was three. 
"That is an argument ."she said."are you Romantically involved with anyone at the moment ?"he asked.
"I was seing someone casually but it did not work out. "She said. "I am sort to hear that. His loss!"he said.
"So you are looking to take up a church?"she asked."for now. By my time till the superintendent is permoted or retires. "He said. "I figured. " she said.
"I see the value in building up local perished . I am interested in the administration the process. I will give the day to day operations to the local pastors. I know that that is your passion!"he said.
Odd she thought . she had come hear willing to give a potentle relationship with Michael a chance.while she had rebuffed him o. Previous occasions,she considered that she missed something. She wanted to give him a second chance.she inadvertently led him on. She decided that this was just not going to work. .Mike was not a viable option. She knew that now.
She wanted to leave but stayed for a bit. Luckily he  had a meeting and wanted to get ready. He walked her other car. "We should do this again soon ab! I do enjoy talking to you."he said.
"Look Michael,I am going to level with you,I just don't see it happening. I like you. I don't think we are a good match. I'm sorry to have led you on."she said.
"Its ok. I gues I a not surprised.if you change your mind,you know where to reach me!"he said.
She felt bad but felt she had to be honest with him. It was a mistake for her to agree to it.it did convince her that was a door that should not be opened.
She came in to her apartment. Her romate was waiting for her. Apparently she wanted a play by play report on what had occured.
"I have no idea why I did that. He is a nice guy but he really not my type. I was really considering perusing a relationship with him ! We are not a good match!"Abby said. "I could have told you that. Oh wait I did several times. I can't believe you were thinking of dating him. I thought you ruled that out ling ago!"she said.
"I thought I had too. I don't know what got into me!"she said. "I do! Your on the rebound form Matt!"she told her. "How can I be on the rebound,we never dated not really!"she said. "Every time you came home,you were glowing. You fr something for him. You still do. Micheal? He is the polar opposite of Matt!"she said.
"I know.Mike is conceited ,ful of himself. Mat is not like that. That ship has sailed.he made that abundantly clear. "Abby said.
"Mayby you should talk to him. Mayby he has changed his mind. "Her roommate said "he has probably found someone by now. She is probably a king James. Hyim singing dress wearing girl who has never spoken a word in church." Abby said.
"Your miserable Abby. Mayby he is too. You can understand his perspective. You are very different. You see things differently."her roommate told Abby.
"I don't think I'm cut out for his world.he is surly not cut out for my world.we are at an inpass. "Abby said.
  Matt was excited to go out with Heidi at first. As the  day Got. Closer he got second thoughts.she was sweet but there was really no connection.why was he suddenly trying to try again with her. As the time of the date got closer he found his thoughts heading towards abby.
He liked Heidi. She was sweet and she was godly. He just did not think that she was a good fit for him. He considered canceling the event but decided not to.
He met up with her at a restaurant.she smiled as he arrived. "How are things ?"she asked."good how are you?"she asked. "Good!"he responded.
They engaged in small talk.none of the conversation went anywhere. Mat found himself thinking about Abby. He tried not to.
After a while they left. He said his goodbyes. He went home.he went inside. He saw his sister Kathy."how did it go with Heidi?"she asked.
"I never should have gone.she is great but I don't think that she is right for me. I am not sure why I went. "He said.
"You stil have feelings for Abby?"she asked. "I do. I wish I did not. We can't be together. Yet I want to. I hate it."he said.
"Mayby this is not the time to date.perhaps it is time to take a step back.maybe it is time to reevaluate things. There Is something else you may need to consider !"she said.
"What is that?"he asked. "The answer may not be no but not now. Maybe later." Kathy said. "What if she does not wait.I can't ask her to wait."he said.
"If she is the one you may not have to!"she said. "Perhaps!"he said.
While Abby went to her contact list. She saw the name matty.she almost hit the send button. She decided not to do it.

"The party"

I stil could not believe I was hear! When I was first invited,I was not seriously considering attending. Julie had graduated from bible college. Her parents hosted a graduation party at there home. They invited all of the church to attend. I had not planed to attend until she asked me personally."
"Tim! Will you be coming?"she asked."I am not sure! " I answered ."I would like you to come."she told him.
I felt out of place. I mostly spoke to church members I knew including the church janitor. I had not even seen Julie.
Julie and I had a bit of a complex relationship. We were very different.we had a different life experience. I was a thirty four year old man. I was a businessman . I ran a smal business witch focused on real estate and antiques. "
Julie was twenty years old. She just graduated from an independent fundimentle Baptist college. We knew each other sence her family started attending abiding Grace Baptist church. She was sixteen at the time. We had not really said much to each other at the time. We had no reason to. When she went of to bible college it all changed. We became friends.
I found myself interested in her beyond a friendships. She had dated a little while at school. There was one man I was prety sure she would marry but they broke up. She explained that she just did not feel that it was God"s will for them to be together. I figured she would date someone else.i liked her,i figured
She would never have those feelings for me. That was fine. 
During the week. I gave it a lot of thought. I decided that I would throw caution to the wind and ask her out. Now that I am hear I had doubts. I very much wanted to go though with it. I decided to go though with it. "
Finaly I saw her. I went over to her.she smiled at me. 'There you are! I had not seen you.for a moment I wondered if you were going to play hookie !'she Said to me.
I laughed. I told her that I would not miss it for any thing. She was glad to hear that. Her reaction was not what I expected. While I knew She wanted me hear. It seemed that she realy did want  me hear.
"Look Jules when things die down I would like to talk to you!"I told her. She seemed puzzled. She was not expecting that. "Of course!"she replied.
I had no idea if she suspected what I wanted to talk to her about. I was nervous about it. Now I was committed. I could ways ask her her opinion of chess but I think she would know that was not what I intended to talk to her about. 
Finally things started to die down. People started to leave. I hoped that I could talk to her soon. I was getting more and more nervous . I was losing my nurve.
I looked for her. Then I found her.she smiled.  " there you are!" she said. I smiled."so what did you want to talk about?"she asked.
I probably looked really nervous. I tried to remain calm. That was not as easy as it sounded.
"Look I was wondering if we could go out sometime . for dinner perhaps? " I said. She steamed surprised for a split seconds. Then she smiled. "Are you asking me out on a date ?"she asked.
If I was not nervous before, I definently was now. " yes I think I am!"I replied. She smiled. "Of course I would love to!" she said.
I was relieved and happy at the same time. I was not sure I had heard it right. I asked her if I had heared her right.she laughed and said that I  had.        I wished I knew what she was thinking.I suspected she liked me but I knew I could be way off gourd it could just be me engaging in wishful thinking.
I later learned that she had like me. It seams that she liked me before I liked her. She wondered why I had not asked her out earlier.
When I went home that night,I wondered was this the beginning of a New era. I had no idea.it felt like things were different. I felt like things were about to change. I would be right.
  This was the beginning of the relationship between myself and my future wife. This was how it started .it was not always an easy road. This is how it started.