Blind date part13

Matt was going to preach that Sunday night. He decided to on God's love for us. He was really excited to preach on it. The writing was just as encouraging as preaching it.
They decided to do a study date. Basicaly They hung out in the living room of his parents house. They just studied. They bearly spoke.
She was writing a paper. He was working on his surmon. She wore a green t shirt ,denim skirt and was barefoot. He occasionally asked her a Greek or Hebrew word.she almost always knew it. She asked him his fundmentilist interpretation.
"Jill says we are the weirdest couple. "She said. "I am fine being weird. "He said. She laughed.
They had studied for three and a half hours without saying a word to each other. "Mom says dinner will be ready in fithteen minutes. Oh mom says that your staying for dinner Abby."his sister Gracie said. "Ok thank your mom for me. "She told her.
He tried to get fithteen more minutes of studying. Abby took a peace of paper and made a paper airplane.she tried to hide it.s He fleew The plane into him. "Realy abb! This is study time!"he said. "We have studied for three and a half hours. We can pause for an air plane break. " she said.
"In that case!" she tried to send an air plane in her direction.her second plane collided with her. The two plag fell. "Missed me!"she said.
After dinner they sat on the steps. "You should come to the evening service on friday. Come and hear me preach. "He said. "Me at a fundy church. Won't I melt"? She asked. "No your not going to melt. You sure you won't came. "He asked.
"I don't know. I will think about it. No promises. " he told her. "Ok. I would love for you to come!"he told her.
On Sunday he started the service.he was sad that she was not there. He decided to start the service. Then he saw the door oppen. It Was Abby.he tried not  to smile too much . it was hard for him not to.
"We are told that God is love. It is part of his nature. He is one hundred percent love. His love does not cancell out his other attributes. "
"He is a God of order. That was why he gave the children of Israel such an intricate law. Some have asked why did God just not forgive Adam ad eve? He could not because of his holiness. His holiness defended sin be punished. That does not mean that God did not love humanity or Adam and eve"
"The first sin did not take the Lord by surprise. He knew that his prized creation would break his heart. Why did he create us? A theme of scripture is God is faithful even as man is not. I believe that the cross was on The mind of God from the beginning."
"The cross was not plan B.the criss was always plan A. We see love even hear in genesis three. He could have destroyed mankind right then and there. Lamentations says that it is by God's mercy that we are not consumed. "
"God could have destroyed mankind when they got so evil. He did not have to spare Noah and his family. His grace ,his unmerited favor. Noah did not earn this favor. He found Grace I the eyes of the Lord.we see Noah did not end well. Noah got drunk and he grandson saw him and acted inapropriatly. God was faithful to Noah despite his failure. "
"We see that Abraham was a recipient of God's grace. Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Abraham is called The friend of God. They had a close relationship. ".
"A question that is asked frequently is how can a loving God send people to he'll?why was the Lord so violent in The old testament. Why did he order the total destruction of the nearby nations? As I said earlier God is one hundred percent love but it is not his only attribute. He is one hundred percent holly. He is one hundred percent just. "
"Sin has been described as missing the mark. It is like a bullseye.anything less then hiring the Mark is off. God is the mark. He is the slandered.anything that is off is contrary to his nature. Romans 3:23.sin is agents his nature. He cannot tolerate sin. The children of Israel were to be a special people. They were God's chosen people. He did not want them influenced by the sinful ways. This seams harsh.we are told in genesis 13 that God delayed Abraham fully setiling in because the sin of the amorites was not at the point of punishments . they were given time to repent but They did not."
"Though God allowed Israel to go into exile ,he set it for seventy years. After he slowed them to return.he could have been done with Israel. He had never rescinded his promise to Abraham. He has made it clear that he will not rescind that promise.  "
"As we conclude tonight I want to make it clear that God is a God of love. It is a perfect love. It is an unselfish love. He is a consistent love. It is unchanging. "
"It is a love that is consistent with God's character. He does not just excuse our sins. If he excused our sin without the cross,it would not be consistent with all of his attributes.the cross satisfied all y He demands of his character. "
After the service he shock hands and greated people. The church people hoped that he would serve the Lord. During the last few years he started to get really involved in the church. He became his dad's right hand man. The church appreciated him. They felt he was called to be a pastor.
He hoped Abby would stay after.he feared She might sleek away. He wanted to talk to her.
After most everyone had left,he saw her. He hugged her. "You came?"he said. "I was always coming. I just wanted to surprise you. "She said. "I was hoping that you would come." he said.
He kissed her. That had not kissed sense the time a few days earlier. 'Are you supposed to do that?"she asked "probably not. "He said. They laughed. "By The way that time you kissed me. " she said. "Ok!" he said.
Later that night they Sat at the swings on the porch. "Is that how you see the lord? The way you described him tonight?"she asked.
"Yes absolutely. He is perfectly balanced but complete. He is love and holiness and justice. He is all those things. "He said.
"I have not seem him that way. I understand that he is love holly mercy I gues that I saw his holiness as a need for social justice.a need to feed the Hungary. There is more to it. "She said.
"There is. Feeding The Hungary is important. It is part of it. You cannot. Dismis that God is holly and any sin is an a front to his nature. Sin is a violation of who he is. It has to be covered."he said. "I get it now. It makes sense. " she said.
End of part 13

Generation gaps (Tim and Julia Nicole)

Tim had been kept prety Buisy with both his businesses the rest of the week. He talked to Julie on the phone and texts but did not see her. He wanted to lay low for a bit. The post with the pics of her and him attracted attention form there church and there extended families. He did not like this attention. He laid low.
Julia missed seeing him. She guessed that he needed to catch His breath. She understood but missed him. He was very quiet and private.she's was fine with that. She did not understand it. She was very bubbly and social.she did not understand his need for privacy.she suspected he did not understand her need for community. 
It was friday night. He decided to end his self imposed exile and give her a call. "Hey stranger!"she said. "I m sorry Jules. I have been Buisy. "He told her.
"I figured. "She said. "Do you want to get together tomorrow.I Was thinking a picnic in Pelletier park."he suggested. "Sounds great!"she said.
"Is around one good?"he asked. "Sure. Do you like chicken said" she asked. "I do. "He said. "My one is more chicken then said."she told him. "Oh good. I love chicken salid but I defenently perfer if the chicken is dominant."he remarked."I defeinently thought that that was the case.  "She told him.
She really looked forward to seing him. She missed him. She hoped he missed her. She was not always able to read him.
"Do you want me to pick you up at your place?"he asked. "That's works. "She said. "I will see you then. "He told her. "Sounds good."she said.
She Was excited to see him. She wanted to spend time with him. She got the feeling that dinner with his sister was a bit over helming for him. He had been distant ever sense that night. For her that night brought her closer to him. She hoped that the picnic might cure the awkwardness.
She made sure she was ready for Tim . She wore a Gray shirt denim skirt and sandles . she hoped it would go well. She wanted to be close to him. She knew that they had a good life ahead but they just had to get over these hurdles.
She was ready for Tim. She ran on Tim time as she called it. She heard the car pull up. She smiled and went outside. She went to the pasinger's side.
"Hi there!"he said. "Hi "she said. She got in. "I missed you. It's good to see you you!"Julie said. "I have been prety Buisy the last few days. "He said "I understand. I am glad we can have today." she told him. "Me too. "He said.
They went to the park. He put the blanket down. They put the cooler down. They prayed and started to eat."this is great. "He said. "I got it the way you like it?"she asked. "Absolutly."he said. "Awesome"she replied.
"So are you and melisa the only ones in your family that are Christian?"She asked ."one other our youngest sister is saved. I was the first to be saved. I led missy to the Lord a year later. Olivia was a hold out. She was very unlikely to be saved. "He said.
"I have nit fully heard your full conversion story. "She said. "My farther was a business man. He was not anti religious just not religious. I was similar. I did not think about it. I live what else matters I thought. My roommate at college was a believer.he was not In your face but he made it clear who he was. We used to talk about things of God a lot. I began to questione. I started going to a smal church near campus. At first it was an add on for me. I thought I could add faith to my life. "
"As I learned more about God. Who he is. I realized that He will not share his diety with any one else. He must have The preeminence. The sinner question was difficult for me. I believed I was not perfect but I was not that bad. When I realized that God is holly and I am not. I was saved on a Sunday night on a very cold February night. "He said.
"Was it a very difficult discipleship?"she asked. "Yes it was.the people at hope Baptist church were very gracious." he said. 
"How did missy get saved?"she asked. "I changed dramatucally. I did not shout it from the roof top but my family could tell. Melisa and I had been very close. We talked frequently so it was not too surprising. For a while I was worried that Mayby her conversion was more to please me. She started attending gospel Baptist church. The people in the church invested in her. It really did take. My other sister was harder. She was very worldly. She was quite a deal younger. I was already long out if the house before she was at the age to really think about those things. We both noticed a change in her. She asked questioned. She finally got saved. We got her in a church that was started by a g.b.c member and she is married to a pastor now. "He said.
"How did your family react to this?"she asked. "We had been close .my mom and dad divorced when I was a freshman in college. My dad and I have always been close. My mom and I have not been as close. At first my dad was fine with it. He was taken aback when I became more and more serious about my Faith. When melisa got saved, he was not thrilled. He had a kind of libertarian view on religion. He was not keen on evangelizing. When missy accepted Christ he Was not thrilled but not surprised. When Olivia was saved, that was not cool .that caused a rift between us. We are not as close now"he said.
"I talked to your dad a little bit on face book. "She said . "did you add him as a friend ?"he asked. "He added me. O accepted.is that ok?"she asked."yea. I have to warn you you are marrying into a family of nuts..we are really wacky. " he said.
She smiled. Did he mean to say marrying . was it a mispeeak. She wanted to ask but decided not to. She decided to take it as something he intended to say. It made her happy. Even if it was a mispeak,he still thought of her as a permanent part of his life.
"I stil can't believe your not married yet. "She said. "I dated a lot before my conversion. When I was saved,I backed off. Dating was not on my radar after I got saved. Churches I intended had mostly married and older people, I would not date unsaved.I just did not peruse any one."he said.
"Well do not take this the wrong way but I am really glad that you were single all these years. " she exclaimed.
He chuckled. "I am glad of that too. You were worth waiting for. "He said. Her heart melted. She was not expecting him to say that. "Do you really mean that? You could have been married for 15 years or so. "She said.
"I do mean it Jules. Sense my conversion I did not hardly notice that I was single.  It did not come into my thinking. I did not care.  I absolutely mean it. You are so special to me. You were worth waiting for. "He said.
"Thank you. I am glad you did wait. "She said. " I am too. I am glad you are in my life. "He told her. "I am glad to be I'm your life. " She said.
This Was a good day she thought to herself. She felt like they had made a break though. They cleaned things up. They got ready to leave. They loaded the car up.
She took his hand. He made a weird face. "What?" she asked. "Oh nothing. " he said. "What is it?"she asked . "I am stil getting use to physical contact. I am not use to all this. " he said.
"Your not ok with physical contact?"she said in a surprised tone. "Our relationship is new. We are stil in a pree courting phase. I am just not sure it is appropriate "he said. "You never said anything.I just assumed it was ok. " she said.
"It's not a big deal. I Was not going to say anything."he said. "Ok. I care very much about purity and obstaning from the appearance of evil. " she said. "I know that. "He said.
The ride home was very tense. Both were quet. Neither one said anything. He drive her to her house. He had no idea what to say. "I gues this is an example of me being uptight. "He commented. "A little bit"she said.
They Said there goodbyes. He went home feeling tense.he had a knot in his stomach. He did not want to do anything.
He called melisa. "I think I did something stupid. " he told her. "What did you do?"she asked. He explained the situation to her. "Oh no. You did not do that. " she said.
"What do I do? " he asked. "Stop being an idiot."she said. "You think I am uptight?"he asked. "Yes I do. "She said. "Is This irreparable?"he asked."no but you to have fast. She loves you. Everyone knows it. You could mess this up forever right now."she said. 
The next day was church. He taught an adult Sunday school. He came a little late well for him. He went to his classroom. He avoided seing her til after class. After he talked to people and dottled.
He decided to go to the auditorium. "There you are!"She said. "Hi ! He Said.they walked to the pews and Sat down.
After the service he walked her to her car. She walked at s distance. He took her hand and smiled.she smiled back. " about yesterday you have not caught me at my best. I don't know why. I have no idea what I am doing. I ment what I Said yesterday. You were worth the wait and then some." he said. She smiled. " I am glad your in my life. I would not want it any other way. "She said.
End of chapter

Blind date part 12

Abby and Matt decided to go on a date. It was there first date sence they decided to resume there relationship.  They were both nervous. They were both excited at the same time.
Abby spent quite a bit of time getting ready for the date. She was wating for him.she watched for him from the window. She saw the car drive in to the parking lot. She said good bye to her roommate Jill. Jill wished her luck.then she left the home and stepped on to the porch.
He drove from his house to her apartment. He saw her step on to the porch. She wore a pink sweater ,gray skirt and sandles. When he saw her,he smiled. She had that affect on  him. Even when they were not dating,she still made him smile.
She went into the car. He hugged her. She held on to him.  They held on to each other. "Hi ab! "He said."hi!"she said.
They went to the first restaurant they went to . the infamous blind date. They were seated.they looked over the menu then they ordered .
"I heard you had breakfast with mom and my oldest sister's?"he asked"I did. I really like your family.they have relay welcomed me. I had a good time with them."she said. "I'm glad. They had a good time with you. I had no idea that they were planing on doing that " he said."nor did I? Until twenty minutes before they showed up."she said. "I am not surprised."he said .
The waiter brought there drinks. Mat ordered a Pepsi. She had wine. They kept talking.she took a sip of the alcohole. Then she realized that she had ordered alcohol.
Matt was an independent fundamental Baptist. I.f.b were generally against alholic consumption. Usualy they had a passionate dislike for alcoholic beverage. She had not realized that she had ordered it. 
"You ok ab ?"He asked. "Look I did not think about it. I don't drink that much. I usually have one glass and I'm done. "She said.
"Ok. "He said. "Your not upset about it?"she asked. "Well I gues I would perfer you did not. I know that you are hardly an alcoholic. I know it is not something you do all the time. I don't see it being a big deal. " he said .
"Its not?"she asked. "No it's not. I would say when We were married I would perfer you drink at home and on special occasions.I hope you would not go to bars."he said. "Yea I don't do bars."Abby said.
"Mr. Cambel did I hear you correctly? Did you say when not if we get married?"she asked.he had a great big smile on his face. "Yes I believe I did."Matt replied. "Abby Campbell that has a nice ring to it! She said. "Not reverend doctor Abby Gray cambell?"he asked. "That too. "She said. They laughed.
"You don't worry that we are just too mismatched?"she asked. "No I don't. I love you and we are going to make this work."he said. She was surprised to hear him say that."I love you too. I wanted someone to day that to me. I gues I come over as strong,dominerng I am not quite as confident as I come off. "She said. "I know. "He said.
"You don't worry about our differences. We come at things form very different angles?"she asked. "I have never even afraid of differences. I have core views. I come at things from the lense of independent fundimetle Baptist because i believe that that is best. I think things though I don't mind being chalenged. I know sometimes you have to wrestle with things. " he said.
"I don't always see things from the ucc lense. I am a literalist.I do believe in mericles. I am more of a liberal in other things. I am an advocate of social justice I gues. I  believe that women can be minister's. I wrestle with things as well."she said.
"Do you wory about our differences?"he asked. "I think I can accept your opinions easier the. You can. I fear that we just won't be able to work from them. "She said.
"I have strong views.I believe them to be correct. Having said that I know that I am not infallible.I know I don't have everything right. I am far more easy going then I appear. I want you and I to be on the same side. " he said.
"What if I complete my studies.what if I am ordained as a minister in the u.c.c ? Do you think that I will see the era of my ways and end my studies?"she asked.
"I knew we would have to have that talk some times. I was hoping that we would have more time before that talk."he said.
" I don't mean to put you on the spot."She said. "No it's ok. I guess I would perfer that you not persue the ministry but I don't antipate that that will happen. I would never make you chose between the two. I am not a dictator "he said.
"It may be on Sunday you go preach at your church and me at myine."she said. "I know that. I understood that when we decided to resume our relationship."he said.
"Did you really get all that that entails?"she asked."perhaps not totally. "He said. "I just needed to know what you thinking on this. I am sorry if I was too harsh."she said. "No your fine. " he said.
"Will you always be patient with me?"she asked. "I will definitely try. I want to be. I am very easy going as I said even though I do not appear to be. I want to earn your trust. "Mat said.
"I do trust you. "She said. "I want to do right by you. I will do everything to do just that. "He told her.
"Ok. I just needed to hear it. I did not intend to be obstinate tonight!"she said."your not. This is won't be easy. I wish I could tell you it would we. It Will take work and frustration at times. "He said.
"I know that. "She said. "I wish I could say I will ever fail you Or disappoint you but sadly I know I will. "He said."I will dispoint you at times. "She said. "Hard is nesasirily bad. "He said. "The riskier the road the greater the prophet."she said. "Who said that?"he asked. "The firengi on star trek. ."she said.  The two laughed.
"My point is that the harder something is,the outcome is that much better. "She said. "I see what you mean.
"I wish I could say I will not disipoint you. I would be a fool to think I won't."he said. "If gues we have to just work at things. Not give up.I don't like disipointing you either."she said.
"We do have to work at this. I don't know that we fully understand what that means. "He said.
He paid the Bill. Then the two left. They held hands as they walked to the car. "Not quite an easy night?"she asked. "No it was not but that's ok. We are together. "He said. She smiled."yes we are. "She said. The two looked at each other.
They got into the car. "So are you in a rush or can we talk on the steps for a bit?"she asked. "I would like that. " He said.
They walked to her porch steps. "Ok I have two questioned for you.one do you want to marry me? Second do you think we will get married?"she asked.
"I have given this a lot of thought. Realy I have thought of little else. Yes I do want to marry you. As to the seconds questione, I gave this a lot of thought as well. I can't imagine being with any one else. I do think we will. What is your answer to those questions?"he asked.
She smiled. "I definitely want to marry you. I liked you sense that first date. That answer has grown stronger. As to the second,I had my doubts . we are so different.  In talking to you my fears have been alleviated. I do think we Will get married."she said.
"I am excited for it. I can imagine us waking up . probably being woken up by a kid asking us about the hyposatic union. "He said. "The next day we will get to debate the kinosis. "She said. They laughed.
"I like the thought of us building a life together. We will have a good life. "He said. "I know we will. Your different tonight. More relaxed. "She said. "As I said I have time to think about things sense we resumed our relationship. I have decided that I am In all the way. I gues I feel at liberty to let my guard down a bit. I gues I don't have to be so uptight now. "He said.
"I can tell. Your not afraid of me any more?"she teased him. "No I am still afraid of you !"he said. "Because I am so intimidating!" she said.
"Your working on your masters I have to work to keep my A,b average. "He said. She put her arms around him and rested her head on his shoulder."your not as afraid of me ? That's good. I don't want you. Be too afraid of me. Mayby a little . "she said. "Ok I  will keep that in mind . " he said .
"I am a little afraid of you. "She admired. "Me?"he asked. I assumed you were  strict, uptight serious ,somber ,sour  "She said. "I am no fun. "He said. They laughed. "I  that my types of fundies in general  and of you May not be accurate. " she said.
After a while they dexided it was getting late. " Its getting late I should probably be getting back."he said. "Ok . it is getting late. I had a good night tonight " she said "I did too. " he said. " I love you more then I could possibly express ." she said. "I think I have a good idea. " he said.
All of a sudden they kissed. A real kiss. "Did you just kiss me?" she asked."I think you kissed me ?"he said. "I am prety sure you kissed me" she said. " no I don't think so. I did not think we were at kissing phase." he said. "I did not think that either. " she said. They Laughed.
She went inside. "Did you two kiss?"Jill asked . "yes We did. " she answered. "I don't think I have seen  you happier. " she said. She laughed.
He went home. "You were gone a long time?"Kathy commented."yes. We had a good night. " he said " I figured. " she said. "I  am going to marry her some day. " he said."yea I know. "She said.
End of part 12.

Blind date part 11

After a few false starts mat and Abby decided to give there relationship a cance. Could two people so different make it work? Both knew that the early days would be difficult. They knew that the odds were againset them.
The next day Matt read the daily devotional from an independent Baptist publication. It talked about  how God's original institution is the family. That the family is a picture of Christ and the church. What the world needs is godly parents sold out to the Lord. They need godly husbands and feathers.
Without thinking He though of Abby. He imagined her as his wife and mother of his children. Abby just popped into his head. He remember the phrase in most marriage vows about forsaking all others.
Could he do that. Was he ready to embrace Abby no matter what. He felt compelled to do so. He felt like he was voun asked to.
He always felt that God created a spouse for the other person.he never did believe it was chance. He believe that it was a specific person.he could not prove it. That was why He had always been so guarded.there was only one time that he had wavered. Oh how he regretted that.
He considered his future.the more he did,the more he saw her. The more he was certain she was the one.it made no sense. He was more and more convinced . He was at peace. He realized that if it was God's will. He had a plan. That blind date was no  accident. That was quite an epithiny. One he was not expecting.
He had longed viewed it as the former. Now He saw it from a different light. He was ready to embrace it and her. He decided to shift the question from will this work to how do we make this work? He decided to start at this will work and go from there.
Abby and Jill had gotten up. Abby saw that her phone went off. She went over and picked it up. She did not recognize the number. "Hello!"she said.
"Hi Abby?"the voice on the other end of the phone asked. "Yes this is Abby!"she told her. "This is Matt's sister Kathy. "She said. "Oh hi ? How are you? "Abby asked. "Good. Can you and your roommate be ready in 20 minutes?"Kathy asked. "I gues. "She said. "Good . we are taking you out to breakfast. " She said. "Ok!"Abby said . "see you in 20 minutes. "Kathy said. She had a hundred questiones. Before she could ask them the phone clicked.
"What was that about?"Jill asked. "Apearently you and I are going out to breakfast with Matt's sister. We got twenty minutes to get ready. "She said. "Ok!"Jill said.
The two were ready. The two went to the car. In the car was Kathy,alisha and there mom. "Hi ! Jill this is mats sister Kathy,alisha and there mom Anna. "She said. They exchanged greetings.
"Are you a ministerial student as well?"Kathy asked. "Yes. That's how we met!"Jill said. "So Kath do you drive like mat?"Abby asked."no I try to drive the speed limit. I don't speed but I don't drive one mile a day either. "Kathy said."that's good!" Abby said.
They sat down at the restaurant. Abby was a huge coffee drinker. Everyone who knew her knew that. "Do you drink coffee?"Anna asked."I do. "Abby said."that is a big understatement. She drink at least a pot a day! "Jill said. "That is a bit of an exaduation!"Abby said. "Not by much!"Jill said .
"I am quite a coffee drinker.right now I have stoped for obvious reason."Anna said. "Ali does not drink coffe?"Kathy said. "I don't get how anyone can drink it!"alisha said ."every family have an odd one!'kathy said. They all laughed.
"So I wanted to kinda welcome you to the family. "Kathy said. "Well Matt and I are still a New couple. I am not sure we are a couple yet. I like the sentiment but this might be a bit premature. "Abby said.
"I don't think so.I know my brother . I am prety sure your stuck with us!"kathy said. "I knew the two of them were ment for each other the first day she cane home after the date. " Jill said.
"So other then kathy,he never mentioned me?"Abby asked. "That's not that unusual. He is prety private. "Alisha said. "He made the Deans list at college we never knew it. "Anna said. "Why is he so private?"Abby asked. "He always has been. I am not sure why. " Anna said.
"He is a good student?"she asked."He was not always.he struggled with math and grammar. In college he has dealt pushed himself. It has paid off."his mom said.
"He is quite involved in the church?"Abby asked. "He is. My husband is mentoring him. He has done a lot of preaching.He teaches Sunday school. He visit with his farther and does door to door visit. He is involved in the leadership. He sit in on deacons meetings and takes over when his father Is away.we are quite proud of him" Anna said. "When he is determined to do something.he puts everything into it. "Kathy said.
"I could see that. "Abby said. "Are you a good student?'"alisha asked."yes She is. She usually has a 4.0 g.p.a. she is a workaholic. " Jill said ."I do push myself at Times."Abby said.
"Matt is a bit of a workaholic. He pushes himself. "Kathy said. "He is also very competitive. "Alisha said."I have played volley ball and ping pong with him!"Abby said. "You will have to watch him play soft ball. It is a sight to see.he really gets into it."Anna said. "I can only imagine!"kathy said. "Don't play scrable with him!"alisha said. "I will keep that in mind. "Abby said.
"I gues I shocked everyone When I came over. It was not my intent ."Abby said. "She tends to do that. "Jill said. "We knew that that was not your intent. I think it's good we met. "Anna said. "You will be stuck with us for quite some time!"alisha said. "And vice versa.Abby is a hand full!"Jill said. "Funny!" Abby said. "I have to say I was not sure How I would be received. "Abby said.
"In another situation we might have reacted differently. "Anna said . "I have felt very welcome. Thank you.I don't know you well yet but I am pleased to get to know you.if things work out I would be honoured  to be a part of your family. "Abby said. "I am glad to have met you!"Anna said. "I am hoping that we can become friends!"kathy said. "I would like that. "Abby told her.
After a while they left the restaurant.they went to the car. "I am really glad we got to do this. I am really looking forward to getting to know you more. You really make me feel welcomed.thank you."Abby said.
"I am looking forward to getting to know you more. I have a feeling that we will be seing more of you. " Anna said. "I have a feeling that's true "Abby said they all said. There goodbyes.
"What do you think mom?"kathy asked. "She is very down to earth.not what I expected. I am starting to see what he sees."Anna said. "She makes a good addition to the family."Kathy said. "Hopefully we did not scare her away!"alisha said. "I think we are ok."Anna said.
"Your future in laws? "Jill said. "I think so.I like them."Abby said. "I doo too. Those are th first fundy I have really talked to. " Jill said. "Those are the first I have talked to in dept. "She said.
Anna and her two oldest daughters came into the house. "Where did you go off to?"Matt asked. "We went out for cofee with Abby and her roommate."Kathy said. "Really? I had no idea you were going to !"He said. "We decided not to tell you . basically so you could bot warn her about us."alisha said. "So that's why! How did you go?"Matt asked. "Verry well. "There mom said. "That's good."he said.
He was surprised. He had no idea that they planed on doing that. He was glad that they did. It was starting to become more and more real. He was looking forward to seing her again.
End of part 11

 

 

 

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.

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.

Influence

From the day we are born,we form opinions. A baby decided they like to be held. They decide that they don't like to be left in there crib. As a child gets older,the child decides that he likes certain food and dislikes others.
Later on he decides that he likes certain activities and dislikes others .from television,music,sports ,books ,politics,we form opinions. Part of life is forming subjective conclusions.
How much of those options are our own? How much of our opinions are influenced by others?what role does influence have in forming views?
Going back to the baby, the child might observe his farther eating a carrot. If the man starts to cringe the child might observe it. The child maybe not being aware of it,might come to the conclusions that carrots are bad. He might come to hate carrots. How much is the boy's hatred of carrots is from him and How much is it to the influence ?
Influence is a fascinating topic. We are under constant influence.we probably don't know just how much we are influenced.
How much beliefs are our own. How many are adopted from other people.how Manny come from our culture?
One of the big questione of philosophy is where do things originate. When feeling with influence we are feeling with thoughts. Where do thoughts come from?
If one views the universe from an evolutionary model,is the ability to think a fluke. Was it necessary to servive ? Where does influence come from. Does one person who. Beleved he knew what to do convince either by convincing or force convince everyone to go with his plan? Why him? Where did that ability to convince come from.
In the ancient world deities were in control of elements of the world. These gods were impulsive and whimsical. The answer by Greek philosophers was to say that these gods were not all powerful just more powerful then mortals. They stil had I influence.
From a biical world view,the first record of a negative influence was genesis three. The devil persauded. Eve and then Adam to eat the fruit.
We have examples of good and bad influence. For good We have jeohida the priest who influenced king joash.we have nahen the phrophet who advised David and declared tha he was the man. We have aquila and prisila who decoupled apolas.
We have plenty of examples of bad influence. Lots caved into the influences of Sodom and Gomorrah. Rehoboam gave in to the influence of the younger advisors.
I am not sure tha influence begins with Staten. You could argue it bega with the Lord when he gave the instruction not to eat the fruit.
No man is an island as John done said. We are all influenced in some way shape or form.
One influence we have not duscused is media. Rather it is radio,books,tv,internet and so on,media influences us. There is the influence of the press and entertainment.
Some In the independent Baptist movement have avoided most media. One cannot be totally cut off from it.it's influence can be good bad or neutral.often it legend bad.
  What is a solution to influence biblically? As Martin Luther said.our conscience must be captive to the word of God. We must make sure that is our major influence. We must examine all we do to make sure it is aligned with the word.

"Feelings a philosophical and theological examination"

Do feelings really exist? Are they real? Could feelings just be a chemical reaction? Could feelings be automatic robotic responses? Could what we call instincts just be reflexes?

When someone pinches me,am I reacting? Could what I perceive to be a reaction simply be a non emotional mechanical response to stimuli? Can we know for certain if feelings are real.

If feelings are real,where do they come from? Are they passed down genetically. Are they cultural? Are they learned?
  On star trek the Vulcan only practice logic. They outlaw emotion. The ancient stoic philosophy might be to the right of the mythical Vulcan.
The stoic believed that enotion was evil. They might argue that emotion would keep you from the truth. Truth is found in logic.
If feeling are the enemy if truth,then feelings are a deception. Feeling are not just an illusion but a con artist and a serial .
Epicurians believed that the purpose of life is found in pleasure. Plesure meaning good words. Otherwise man us no better then pigs who indulge in what they see as pleasure. For them that is rolling around in mind . not only us feeling but it us truth.
The problems is that feelings can be wrong. You can deal that someone us lying when they are boring truthful and vice versa.
You can be mad at someone for a less then legitimate reason. A victim if fraud could feel good about the con artist that scammed them out of millions of dollars.
Many modern or post modern psychologist argue that humans do not have instinct. They have reflexes. We are robots or humans. Basicaly everything is a cause and effect. Feelings would not be real.
From a biblical world view, feelings originate from the Lord himself.humans were created in the image of God. If course human emotion are tainted by sin. Romans 3:23,genesis three.
Jerimiah Said that he was conceived in sin. David lements sin affect on humanity after his sin with bethsheba. Sin desorts emotion.
Ephesians says that the god of this world blinds unbelievers from the gospel. Seccond Corinthians speaks that though the veil of the temple was torn,some chose to be veiled.
A biblical view of  feelings is that feelings are real. A person feels. It is not simply a chemical response. God does intervene at times. Pharoe Paul and nabukanezer.
Feelings are incomplete. They can be inaccurate. Feeling are limited. All feelings are tainted by sin. Some day feelings will be redeemed .