Today's earlier post was not intended to cause strife or anything of that nature. My heart was to expose judgment within the church and to try to encourage everyone to get along, knowing we will never all agree on the non-essentials in life. Love is the hardest of all of Christ's commands, especially when we don't feel like it and especially when we don't think we are worthy of receiving it. I love my family everyday. I don't always like what they say or do...they don't always like what I say or do, either. One thing Jason taught me early in our relationship is that it is okay to disagree on non-essentials. That is my heart in my previous post. This is the one time in blog history that I am glad that 'anonymous' was anonymous so that none of us lost our salvation (not really) by going and bashing that person in defense of another. I pray that whether we blog or share face to face, talk on the phone, write emails, speak publicly, whatever, that we do it with the gifts God has given and we do it for the glory of God, not our own...the only problem is we are flaky humans and we all make mistakes...
My biggest mistake today was getting so worked up about judgment that I spent a lot of time thinking about the 'anonymous' comment and could have been spending the day praying for families in Virginia and the surrounding areas as there has been a major loss of life, and many eyes saw things today that will remain in their hearts forever. Lord, please comfort the students, faculty, and staff of VA Tech and their families, friends, and loved ones...I pray that their hearts and minds would find healing in Your loving peace and that people would surround them with tangible hugs and encouragement from around the nation and world, just as you sent us for Noah. You are Jehovah Jireh, our Provider, and I ask that You would supply the needs of the students, faculty, staff and their families as only You can...Lord, show us how we can be a tangible help in their tragic time of need...
Your post about anonymous did good. I didn't know about your friend's blog until your post. It made me search it out and I personally will get a lot from it.
ReplyDeleteAlso, and maybe, you changed the views of some people. I think your post was a good reminder to open your heart and not judge so harshly. As well as think about the verses that you posted. Your time and energy into your blog post did good I am sure of it.
And about VA. I pray right along with you Adrienne. Ive been pinned to the news all day trying to take in everything.
If anyone reading this blog knows of family or friends that attend VA Tech my heart goes to you and I pray that your loved ones are well and safe.
I have no children yet but when I do hope some of this violence ends. Its crazy that parents have to be terrified to send their children to school. The one place you think they would be safe from a war zone.
There has been much to think about today.
Love
Mandy
Adrienne,
ReplyDeleteThanks for caring enough for your friend and about the cause of Christ to take a stand, as you so often do. The time and energy you spent composing the response to anonymous was worth it, and the Lord is using/will use it!
I hope that the anonymous blogger will go back and re-read your post and humbly consider your words. You were clearly not hateful in your response, as she suggested. You were obviously speaking the truth in love. That's not always easy to do, and it doesn't have to feel comfortable to the one you are addressing.
I continue to be blessed and encouraged by you and all that the Lord is teaching you. Our Bible study group here in England has learned much, as well, as I share bits of your journey with and faith in Christ.
Praying about our hearts as believers and for the VA situation with you.
In His grace,
Jodie in the UK
When "Anonymous" walks in your shoes, she is more than welcome to throw stones. I hardly think she'd be the pillar of strenth and hope that you have shown. If anyone has portrayed a Christian life, while going through the very fires of hell, it is you. To me, it was VERY evident that Christ was with you. How can anyone read your posts and not be clear in that regard? Maybe you didn't go through the hospitals holding a banner saying, "Need Christ? Follow Me." Your very actions said it all! You lived the life, which, to me, is far more of an example than someone offering empty words alone.
ReplyDeleteThose of us who seek to live a life pleasing to God will slip up now and then! We are all sinners saved by grace. We are not sinners transformed into perfection. I know I fail miserably at times, but I try to uphold to my own highest standards.
We are all going to be held accountable for our actions, and for our witness for Christ. Let's encourage each other, rather than bring one another down.
Adrianne, you have more strength in courage in your pinky than I will ever have in my entire body. For anyone to discredit that just shows their lack of compassion and understanding. They are to be pitied.
To God Be The Glory, for loving us even when we apparently don't live up to the expectations of strangers!
Your willingness to share with us, has given us all inspiration and encouragement to face whatever trials come our way. I thank you for that. You have helped me. If anyone has displayed a Christian life through the most agonizing time of their life, it's you.
Jill, you are right. I know I wouldn't be the pillar of strength that Adrienne is. I would probably still be lying in bed feeling sorry for myself. I hope someday I do become as strong in faith as Adrienne and her friend.
ReplyDeleteShucks - I can't find the other blog. Would someone post it for me?
ReplyDeleteAdrienne-
ReplyDeleteLet this be a lesson to us all that our words can be hurtful even when we don't mean to be and are trying to stick by a friends side. I think we all let a little bit of the flesh kick in (including me, I am only human too!) and "attacked" this other person. I don't know if you deleted that post but I did have a chance to read her reply and I will be praying for this person whomever she is. I am truly sorry for what you have been through and my heart breaks for you! God does love you and has a plan for you. Even though it doesn't seem very clear right now why you had to go through what you did, it will be an amazing testimony down the road. I would like to extend a hand to you and be able to walk the path with you. I have been a Christian all my life but have not seeked God the way I should have. If anonymous is still reading this, I would like to say that I do not accept anonymous comments on my blog but I can give you my e-mail address if you ever need someone to talk to.
As to my comment earlier, I am truly sorry as I am guilty of the same judgement and thank you for pulling me off of my soap box. I apologize to Jamie and to anonymous. You have to understand, Adrienne is a good friend and I will stand by her side no matter what. That is what friends are for! Please accept my apologies and I probably won't comment anymore!
Adrienne,Do NOT ever appologize for your blog!!! We know that what your writing comes from the depths of your heart,and I can say 99.9% it's all true :) Every post touches in my heart and for that I will never be the same person/mom as I was before I started reading your blog. We know your blog comes from your heart with only good intentions and to glorify God. You are a straight up kinda chic who tells it like it is,not many people are like that anymore.
ReplyDeleteI think your wonderful and look forward to hearing more 'truth' from you.
Your ranting post is something that-even if you felt was a waste of time- needed to be shared. Think of Jesus as He 'wasted time' throwing the money changers out of the temple, or having to come to the top deck of the boat,as His doubting disciples trembled in fear from a 'storm' in life...their lack of faith and forgetfulness of "who" was the source of that- who was asleep in the very boat in which they shook. It is times, such as the one you just experienced, that God can still work in hearts and move through us, to show others the true picture of who He can and should be in all of our lives. Keep on sharing from your heart. It's obvious that God has a "hold on it" and He will continue to use you as an instrument of His love and grace. No matter if it's a verse, a picture, a memory of Noah, or an occasional rant now and then!
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to add to a couple of comments, which I'm sure Adrienne would agree with, that when people talk of not being the "pillar of strength', which we most certainly have seen in Adrienne and her family through the months of Noah's decline and then death, that it's not something she has and others don't. It is something God gives, and He has poured His love and grace and strength out in Adrienne, in abundance. In my own weaknesses, I never would have believed that I could have such faith...and yet God gives it to anyone who is willing to open their hearts to experience His fullness. I like for others to know that SHOULD something ever require such dependence and strength, and tests you to limits you could never imagine, that God IS enough, and that faith can grow in the darkest and deepest of valleys. I can only speak for myself, but I am truly humbled from day to day, when I see how much God has poured into me and the strength He has displayed through my life. I don't deserve it, and now I seek to reflect His glory back to Him- through my pain and joy. Thanks, as always, Adrienne. Your thoughts sharpen me. =) Even the "rants". =)
ReplyDeleteWell said, Jody. Adrianne has shown that only through Christ does she have the "pillar of strength." And that gift is free to anyone to reaches out to accept it. Adrianne has shown all of us how to do it... you just do it in faith! She has shown all of us that we need to quit relying on our own strength, and trust Christ to be our rock.
ReplyDeleteAren't we thankful we have the privilege to trust in Jesus? I feel sorry for those who haven't had that experience. Read through this blog if you don't understand about Christ's love. If you would like to know more about what we're all talking about, about Christ and His love for YOU, then please reply to this blog, and let us show you what we are all talking about! It is so easy, it's free, and Adrianne has shown all of us that whatever you're going through, you don't have to do it alone.
Adrienne, I wanted to thank you for taking down that post that exposed my comment. I hope you also forgive me for making reference to your blog in my comment, and dragging you into it.
ReplyDeleteJennifer Pendley, I most heartily forgive you and would love to have email communication if I had the address. Your reply brought me to tears.
In writing what I did in a comment that is not visible anymore, I wasn't trying to get sympathy or people to feel sorry for me. As a Christian I was anxious at the vision people had of me in their head.(this holier than thou, brought up in Christian home that has never experienced pain or suffering, HA that could not be farther from the truth!!) That is why I confessed my own daily struggle with sin, etc.
As a person that whole heartedly believes in the sovereignty of God, I believe that God is the one that gives faith. It is not something that can be increased just by my own will power. I have tried. I WANT the kind of faith and trust, strength, that Adrienne and her friend have, but know that only God can give it, and it is usually through those fiery trials that it comes. I am one that constantly cries, Lord help my unbelief!
I believe I am a Christian because I cling to Christ alone to save me, but there is so much that I still struggle with.
I will keep reading here because you inspire and encourage me, and God is using you in my life and obviously so many others.
Dear Anonymous-
ReplyDeleteI meant what I said that my heart breaks for you! Here is my address and just put in the subject line Noah as I do not check mail from people I don't know:pendleyjen@hotmail.com. I think a lot of good has come out of this because you know what kind of love God has for you and what kind of love good friends could have for you. Waiting to hear from you!
Adrienne~~
ReplyDeleteI read today's blog and am a bit confused. I'm not quite sure what happened, but your blogs are so inspirational. Those who know the Lord know that he does not want for anyone to grieve for a long period, he wants there to be joy in sadness, and wants all of us to trust that he is doing what is best and taking care of our loved ones. Do not get me wrong, I am not saying that one should not grieve...that is just natural, and it is natural for one to grieve for as long as needed. However, God has a plan for everyone, we must realize that, and we must obey that.
I am sorry if someone is saying hurtful things Adrienne. It is hard for those who do not have a relationship with the Lord to fully understand YOUR connection with him. Who ever this person is leaving negative comments, they should know your blogs, your family, and especially your son's life has been life changing for so many, people like me. I had strayed away from my faith, and because of Noah, and your family, I have now filled that void in my life, I am closer to the Lord now than I have ever been. I will always remember you and your family forever for that Adrienne. Please do not feel sad over this blogger...remember, you cannot please 100% of everyone 100% of the time. Stay strong and continue to blog!!!
Love,
Mary Geeslin
I too am confused. I did not read the blog that is being referred to.
ReplyDeleteSometimes even as followers of Christ we can/do not understand Adrienne's connection/experience with the Lord. That is something that is unique to her. Even so let not our lack of understanding cause us to be harsh and sin against one another. Be prayerful before posting.
I didnt find it offensive,just true!
ReplyDeleteI received this today in an email and thought it would be good to share here.
ReplyDeleteCRACKED POT
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
An elderly woman had two large pots,each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck.
One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect
and always delivered a full portion of water.
At the end of the long walks from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.
For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing
home only one and a half pots of water.
Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments.
But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection,
and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do.
After two years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream."I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house."
The old woman smiled, "Did you notice that there are flowers on
your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side?"
"That's because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted
flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we
walk back, you water them."
"For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to
decorate the table.
Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this
beauty to grace the house."
Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it's the cracks and flaws
we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding.
You've just got to take each person for what they are and look for the
good in them.
SO, to all crackpots, have a great day and remember to smell the flowers on your side of the path!
i've peaked in on this blog every so often. tonight i just sit and wondered when you read all those comments! :)
ReplyDeleteI decided for once I'd post a comment and say I am a reader of your blog and enjoy the snippets I catch!
oh, and i found it through Erin in MN! :)
Adrienne,
ReplyDeleteI'm sitting here at work, motoring through the day, listening to my usual play list and Yahweh came on. As soon as it did I thought of your family, thought of baby Noah (that's what we call him) smiling down on you all with that handsome face of his.
The lines that stood out to me in light of the past couple days postings...
"Take this mouth, so quick to criticize, take this mouth, give it a kiss".
- Most all of us have said things we didn't mean, drug folks into things we shouldn't have and felt great remorse for what we've said as well as how we've reacted to what was said. I'm sure 'anonymous' has learned a great lesson in regards to quick judgement and in return the rest of us have learned a great lesson in regards to how we let things affect us and choose to respond.
The important thing is, we've grown from it and God forgives. Not diminishing or minimizing the hurt or pain caused by it at all... or saying that you shouldn't have responded the way you did. Don't get me wrong because I think it was completely in your right to do so.
"Take this heart, and make it great". What a great ending to a great song.
As always, thank you for sharing your words with us and much love from Oklahoma!
-Annalisa
I just love the honesty. That's God Ade, honesty. Love, truth, honesty. We all suck. We all will fail...to ourselves and others. But we never fail in His eyes...never. He doesn't see us that way.
ReplyDeleteI'm so thankful for His grace. I'm always so thankful for His grace. It makes me want to be a better person...even though I know I will fail. I'll never stop trying.
I love you guys...always...cb
Gosh, I seemed to have seriously missed the boat this time! I didn't see the post or the comments, but it looks like it's been deleted.
ReplyDeleteFrom reading I can kind of gather that all has been resolved...hope so!