So, this is a new style of writing for me but I truly enjoyed the effort.  WARNING: while this post is based on a true story, I assure you all my marbles are securely stowed!

She was stunning.  I have seen beautiful women in my time but none as striking as she was.  And that is all I knew about her.  I couldn’t tell you what made her so attractive. I saw her only for a millisecond before she disappeared down the airport escalator.  After two failed attempts at the computerized kiosks I was standing in line with the rest of the technologically delayed passengers when I spotted her.  I may not have seen her at all except I couldn’t take my eyes off of the family of 4 who battled with the luggage of a family of twenty.  I was envisioning the scene my own family would make when departing for Africa when I was mysteriously distracted by the fleeting presence of this phantom beauty.  I can tell you she had raven black hair and dark blood red stiletto heels.  As to her face, what she wore or what she carried I can’t recall.  Not that it mattered much as I would become increasingly familiar with her over the following 48 hours.

…

…Continue reading Grief is a Lady »

Let me reiterate…you have been warned.  In the beginning I did give fair warning that this blog would often contain “RAW” material; things that elude to my true human struggles, triumphs, and heart.  This entry is no exception, other than it required a bit more struggle to write than most.

If I expect you to trust the integrity of my writing, especially in the unlikely stories, then I have concluded it must also bear witness to the not-so-pretty.  At some point in the future you may read something that may sound cliché, candy coated or whitewashed.  At that point I need to believe that you can refer to entries like this one and say to yourself, “Well, it must be true because I know Jami is honest at all costs!”  Okay…enough liability protection.

A few weeks ago we sent out our first mailer giving you all directions to view the site for the debut of our “Safety Demonstration Video” seen above.  We also made a couple presentations at our church.  The feedback we received was outstanding!  So many from both mediums raved about the creativity and heart they witnessed in our material and encouraged us to believe the Lord would bless it all.  Now, if you are prepared to believe the ugly about me than I pray you believe this first: in spite of all this praise, I still had very little expectations as to the outcome.  I can tell you in all honesty I am no fool; I am completely aware Whom is in charge and even more aware that He will provide for us only when He is good and ready.  Still, I’m ashamed to admit, I found myself raising my sword to fear when we only received six response cards – some committing to pray, some with gifts.  It wasn’t until this morning in my quiet time that I discovered a hidden truth in my heart.  I read from “Streams in the Desert” by L.B. Cowman each morning and today was devastated to find an unsightly reflection in the passage.

An old village blacksmith once said, “There is only on thing I fear: being thrown onto the scrap heap.  You see, in order to strengthen a piece of steel, I must first temper it.  I heat it, hammer it, and then quickly plunge it into a bucket of cold water.  Very soon I know whether it will accept the tempering process or simply fall to pieces.  If, after one or two tests, I see it will not allow itself to be tempered, I throw it onto the scrap heap, only to later sell it to the junkman for a few cents per pound.  I realize the Lord tests me in the same way…If I am unwilling to with stand the test, or prove to be unfit for His tempering process, I am afraid He may throw me onto the scrap heap.

As I wept in repentance with a “scrap metal” heart, I suddenly began to think of the names of those who have already responded.  I sat in awe as I remembered that 4 out of the six responses came from those we either do not know or know merely by name.  The other two came from those I would never have guessed to respond as they did.  It’s as though the Lord was reminding me that this is the tempering process He has chosen for us, and I can either receive the hammer with pride or be thrown in with the scraps!

OH GOD – I CHOOSE TO BE USED!  FIRE AND HAMMER AT WILL.

“When He has tested me, I will com forth as gold.”  Job23:10