Monday, September 01, 2008

Bull Riding and Bridal Bliss

Bill said the dog followed him around the house like a shadow the whole time I was gone. It was only three days that I was gone, but I think the dog understood that I was miles away, in another world- a world of bull riding and bridal bliss.

I flew down to Tennessee to be with my niece and god-child, Jennifer. We spent Friday talking and catching up, planning her wedding, dreaming out loud. Then I watched my niece try on bridal gowns. I oohed and awed over the beauty of it all, the glowing face looking at herself in a mirror and seeing herself soon walking down the aisle. She picked THE dress of her dreams and we rejoiced over being one step closer to that glorious day when she will say "I do."

Then in the evening we geared up for something on the other side of the spectrum. We were going to a PBR Event and seeing our first Professional Bull Riding Event live and in color and up close. We were not close enough to see the bull snot fly as the riders fly off the backs of the bulls, but we hear there is a lot of it. We yelled and cheered and roared our admiration of these bull riders along with the crowd.

Saturday, we walked around town, talked more, and I took in the sights and the sounds of the South. I loved every minute of it. On Sunday I visited the church she and her fiance go to, and I participated in the Sunday School class. Of all things to be studying, they were doing the book by John Ortberg, If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat. And I heard the message loud and clear.

I nodded my head in agreement as different people in the class shared their fears and their concerns about getting out of their comfort zone. While they were sharing, deep inside me I heard the whisper of the Holy Spirit, "Get out of the boat, Get Out of the Boat". And when you get out of the boat, you can sink or float, but you'll definitely be in His Will if You're walking toward Him, away from what holds you down and what holds you back.

“Lord, if it's you,” Peter replied,
“tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said..."

Matt 14:28,29a

4 comments:

Angie said...

It's a bit like feeling you are climbing on the back of one of those bulls when you get out of the boat, but talk about exhilaration if we will just do it.

Sounds like you had a nice time. I bet Harry is glad you're back.

Take care,
Angie

God's girl said...

Great post girl!

What great variety of activities! I am glad you got to visit my tennessee! though I never seen a bull riding event. I am missing out:)
Much love,
Angela

duopastorale said...

I remember reading that one. It's great. Often I put my toe in and occasionally I've got my leg in as well. I remember perhaps once or twice when I jumped. Scary!

Unknown said...

Sounds like you had an exciting trip. And I will have to check out that book, too. Warmly, Barbara