Letter Number Nineteen

{Photocredit: Someone who starts with a “S”}

December 1, 2010

My Darling,

Look at all those feathers. (: They’re so cute, and her feet are all covered up in sand. And do you see that blue behind her? Because I’m pretty positive that it’s supposed to be the ocean. And I love the ocean as you know very well by now. I feel horrible for the neglect, the last few weeks of November, and the only way I can explain is by saying that it was a super hard month, and also with a hidden letter.

This is not a hidden letter, but there will be one soon, I assure you.

I think after like 300 pages, I’ll get this thing printed and start another, but then again, maybe I will have met you by then and no more letters will be needed, because you will be right there in tangible form to laugh, and play, and giggle, and share all my secrets with.

But really when it all boils down to it, this is a letter about rocks. I know what you’re thinking, rocks? Get real Em; let’s talk about something good for a change.

So, my darling, I tell you with all respect to shut it, and listen.

So, when we went to Ohio the weekend before last, Crestin did a message on rocks. And He had every person come by and get a rock out of a box. So we sat there with a moment with our rock in our hands, wondering what in the world Crestin Burke was about to do, I mean, matches in Virginia and rocks in Ohio? What was going on?

And then he read this verse…

“And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.” 1 Samuel 17:40

Which is all about David and Goliath. A totally overheard story in many eyes.

He begins with something very similar to this: Imagine your life as this little rock. Floating along down the brook of life, and being tossed and tumbled about. And he explained that the rock in the brook was the life of the unbeliever, the one who wanted nothing to do with God. And then you get saved, and God reaches down to get you in the stream and He places you so gently in His shepherd’s bag. And you know that you are saved and going to Heaven. This is all well and good, but he goes on to explain that many Christians never make it out of the bag again.

And you think… WHO would want to be out of that bag? So, I will explain a tad bit better.

And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.” 1 Samuel 17:49

So here is the totally stellar part that will rock your socks off. God reaches into that bag, into that safe place, and He takes out a stone. And He looks at that stone and says are you ready? Places it gently into His sling, winds up, and slays the giant.

Did you know, that we were meant to slay giants in His name? That each of us has a very specific one to slay, and if we refuse, then God will just leave us in that bag? I mean yeah, we’ll go to heaven, but really, who wants to look at God and say, “I didn’t do anything for you Lord, but here I am.”

:( That would break my heart to have to say to him.

I love you Av, and I want so desperately to help you slay your giant.

Love,