You've got a friend in me

Allison:   Hello blog world!  How’s life?

So the reading portion for this week gave us a good look at the lives of two people in the Old Testament: Samson and Ruth.  What really stuck out for Elizabeth and I was the relationships they had with other people.  As we were talking about the scripture readings, we both agreed that if Samson were alive today, we would be his friend, because let’s be honest—the poor guy didn’t have any good ones, so far as we can tell.  And we both really liked the relationship between Naomi and Ruth and the commitment they had to each other.  So, this week, we bring you a blog about friendship!

I love talking about friendship, and it makes me excited because I think it’s so cool how the different relationships we have in our lives mold us, and a huge part of that is the people who we call our friends.  Real friends that is—none of this “Facebook official business” but people you trust and love.

I feel I’ve been blessed with such incredible friends, and I can’t imagine going through this crazy life without them, and so my heart breaks for Samson.  This poor guy was chosen by God to do incredible things and had such incredible strength, and yet people were constantly taking advantage of him.  His fiancé, the 30 men who were supposed to be his friends and companions at his wedding, his father-in-law, his lover Delilah—all these people were people Samson loved and trusted, and they took advantage of him and manipulated him.  I find myself wondering how God could allow this to happen to Samson. This guy was filled with the Spirit and destined to rescue the nation of Israel from the Philistines, and he couldn’t even find a handful of good, solid, encouraging friends?  That’s not fair.  If this guy was called to such a great task, shouldn’t he have been surrounded by great people?  In fact doesn’t everyone deserve that?  And perhaps he did have some positive relationships that just aren’t mentioned because they don’t pertain to the story.  In fact I hope that there were some.  But my heart still breaks for Samson and for all the heartache and the less-than-ideal death he endured because of these false friends.

So then comes Ruth.  Ruth and Naomi were such incredible friends!  Ruth’s son married Naomi, and when both Ruth’s husband and Naomi’s husband died, Naomi decided to return to her home, and she encouraged Ruth to do the same thing.  However there was obviously a very strong relationship between the women, because Ruth chose to go with Naomi, her mother-in-law, instead, and vowed to follow her wherever she chose to go—which is incredible considering there was no blood relation between the women, and Ruth would be leaving her own family and homeland.  But Ruth insisted and the women traveled together to Bethlehem where they lived and worked and where eventually Ruth married a man named Boaz and carried on the bloodline that led to the birth of David—yes, King David.  So here we see a completely different picture of friendship.  I love this relationship because I don’t think friendships today are much different at the core.  There are ties of love that bind good friends together regardless of distance and circumstance, and Ruth and Naomi get that.

So what made these friendships so different?

Well we don’t know exactly, but there was obviously a difference in the kind of people Ruth and Samson had in their lives.  Ruth found people who cared about her, and who she loved in return.  And that’s something that’s lacking in Samson’s relationships—his “friends” were concerned with what they could gain from him, regardless of how it would hurt him.  I can’t help but think that Ruth’s friendships were closer to what Jesus had in mind when he called us to love one another.

So what would it take for me to be the kind of friend Ruth was? 

For me to build friendships like that between Ruth and Naomi?

 I’m only human, and it’s so easy to fall into thinking only about what I want out of a relationship, but what about what I have to give?  A good friendship is a two way street in communication, encouragement, serving and loving.  We can’t control others, but we can choose to love others.

And perhaps we will even find a Samson out there, who just needs a good friend.

Elizabeth:   This week we have finished reading Judges, Ruth, and we have entered into the first part of 1 Samuel. I have discovered that Judges is full of interesting stories. There are lots of people, events, and locations, but I have actually enjoyed some of what I read. I hope that when I re-read Judges one day or focus in on specific stories in the book one day, that I will learn new things. There are still quite a few mysteries in the text. I still have plenty of unanswered questions about the text, but I am okay with that. I know that I have finished reading the book, but I'm not done studying it and trying to understand it more clearly.

I really enjoyed reading about Samson. I began to really like Samson. I think he always tried to do the right thing. Sure there are some stories that involve Samson that are a bit rough around the edges. Samson did engage in fighting and he may come across as teasing Delilah. While I don't support either of those actions, I feel like he did what he felt was necessary in his situation. He fought with Philistines because they took advantage of him and gave his wife to his friend. How awful is that?! That isn't a fair act for the Philistines to do, so Samson took action. I'm beginning to think that fighting was the way people solved their issues in Samson's time because that seems to be  the tone of much of the Old Testament up to this point, especially in the book of Judges. Delilah once again took advantage of Samson. When he finally felt like he could trust Delilah, she turned on him. I really do think that Samson tried to do what was right and follow God's will, but he didn't have the easiest go at it. He was set up with a lot of temptation and I think he did a fair job balancing it all.

The book of Ruth is a refreshing change from Judges. The book begins with this great friendship that Naomi and Ruth have and there isn't fighting. That sounds super, right?! I think so, and that's why I liked the book of Ruth. The friendship between Ruth and Naomi is what could be considered the "perfect" example of Christian friendship. While qualities of that friendship may be valuable, there are some qualities to Samson's character that I like as well. If Samson were here today, I would be friends with him. I would want to be friends with someone who tries to do what is right and is trustworthy. Naomi and Ruth sure do highlight loyalty and I find that admirable in a friendship, but I want to look for more Samsons in life to be friends with.

My challenge for you is to consider what qualities do you look for in friendship? Do any of your friendships share qualities with Naomi, Ruth, or Samson?  

And consider these alphabitz this week...

Friendship  Character  Integrity

Sisters in Christ,

~Allison & Elizabeth

You Be the Judge!

**All credit for this witty title goes to Miss Elizabeth :)**

Elizabeth:  Since our last posting, I have graduated from TLU and have enjoyed most of a week of summer break. I have done some sleeping, reading, volunteering, and organizing since I have been on break. I have also been a whole lot better at reading my Bible daily and I have actually engaging reflection over the text. One thing I haven't done yet is meet with Allison over skype for coffee and conversation. Perhaps we will do that next week--Friday. Soooo, for our two blog followers, you don't have to be antzy...you can expect a new entry next Friday. In the meantime, let me share with you a few thoughts on the reading I have done this week.

Allison and I read Judges 1-12 over the past week. I'm finding that as I read the Old Testament, it really isn't as dry as many people make it sound, but it is extra confusing. When I can follow along to some extent, the text is interesting, but it gets so confusing when so many names and places are referenced. How am I supposed to keep up with all this information? On top of that, all these peculiar stories are happening. Jephthah has to sacrifice his daughter for the Lord?! (Judges 11) What in the world? Where does this stuff come from? And most importantly, why does it matter to me? How is this relevant?

As I shared this with Allison over the phone, she joked, "so you're saying that if you were the editor of Judges, it would all make more sense?" and at first thought I said yes! But, then I thought about it and if I were recording moments in my life it may sound as scattered as the book of Judges reads to me. When Allison and I carry on conversations, they don't always take a straight path. Often one thought leads to another, to another, and to another before we remind each other to go back to our original topic. And if I were to map out a single conversation, it may very well sound like a piece from Judges. One thing mentioned here and something else there. I found it especially interesting that when reading, I want something clearly defined, clearly mapped out. I don't want any gaps at all, but when I engage in my everyday conversations and experiences they're far from being clearly defined and I don't have a problem with it. In Judges I don't find any consistency. Each chapter seems to deal with different people and mention different places. In the first chapter Israel fights Canaanites, then judges are introduced, but more fighting takes place, more people are introduced. By chapters 10 and 11 Ammonites are the ones Jephthah is fighting. By that point too, the book has covered Gideon, Zebah, Zalmunna, Debroah, Abimelech, and many more. Among these people and places, odd events occur too, like the sacrifice of Jephthah's daughter to the Lord. It is all interesting, but it is a lot to keep up with.

Back to questions, where does this stuff come from? Well I'm not entirely sure. I cannot be sure that all of these things happened exactly as they are recorded, but I can say that each of these people were trying to find answers of their own. They wanted some direction, they wanted to see God more fully. The writer(s) of Judges most likely didn't record every detail of every situation, so there are gaps that I as the reader have to deal with. I'm left wondering what happened to the families of the people who died in the battles? What are these people thinking before they turn to God? Oh so many questions, but with gaps I have the opportunity to consider these things. So, why does this matter? Because ultimately the people in Judges were searching for a leader, some common ground, they wanted a foundation in their lives so that they could live fuller lives. And, this matters to me, because that is what I want in my life too. I want a fuller life where I know God is in control and can help lead me through tough times. God knows what happened in the gaps that were left open to the readers in the book of Judges; He was with those people. Like the people and places of Judges, God will be with me in rough times and will provide the direction I need in whatever place I may be.

My challenge to you is to think about the places in your life that seem most jumbled and consider how you may see God in the midst of it all.

Here, there, everywhere.

Allison:  Hello blog world!  Today is a big day!  You may not have noticed the small memo on your calendar this morning, but today is a day for celebration, because TODAY is the first official non-introduction blog of Alphabitz!  After reading this, feel free to pop open a bottle of your preferred champagne, or sparkling grape juice for us underage folks (….I think we actually have some leftover from New Years…).  But I digress….without further ado, I bring you a perspective on Judges chapters 1-12 :)!---that sounds lame…but don’t worry; it’s not.

So, Judges.  Aye, yes.  I’ll bet that hasn’t been a recent sermon topic!  And for a good reason too.  It’s a little all over the place, a little frustrating, and a little old (granted, it’s all old).  But there’s some cool stuff in Judges too, and I feel like I have more in common with the Israelites than I would care to admit.  But today I will admit away!    Judges 2 talks about how the people felt lost; they were turning to idolatrous gods, and basically doing anything but following the Lord.  Israel always seems to play the role of the poor and weak little brother, and it’s only through God that they ever reach any sort of victories (funny how God tends to choose those who we deem weak).  And so God took pity on them. 

Side note—while the Old Testament is notorious for presenting an “angry” and “harsh” image of God, I feel like there are quite a few places in this book so far that speak to God’s endless love and mercy, particularly in His dealings with the Israelites.  So chew on that.

Where was I?  Oh yes, so God took pity on them and gave them judges, who were more like political/military leaders than judicial figures. 

But what frustrated me was how they get one judge, that judge “rules” for however some-odd years, dies, and then the Israelites go right back to where they were before—goofing off, worshiping local idols, and basically living life like this judge never existed.  I mean my thoughts were something to the effect of, “Look Israelites!  This is ridiculous!  Can’t you just stay on track for a little while?”  And I was truly impressed that every time their antics got them in a situation of oppression or whatnot and they turned and “cried to God for help”, He immediately took pity and sent them another leader.  No hesitation, no lecture, no “this is the last straw”.  They realized their wrongs, turned back to God, and He welcomed them with open arms.  And He didn’t force himself on them when they turned away—it was a conscious choice on their part to turn back and follow the Lord’s leading.  And I couldn’t understand how God could be so forgiving, especially when they most likely were going to turn astray again by the end of the chapter.

But then I realized, I still don’t understand that forgiveness and that grace.  I still don’t get how God loves us infinitely and welcomes us back with open arms every time we realize where we’ve fallen, even though He knows we’ll mess up again.  I don’t know about you, but I am so much like the Israelite people.  Things are going great, life is good, I’ve got a great active faith community keeping me grounded, but the moment things change, the moment those circumstance get shaken up, it is so easy for me to fall away, to get off track, and try to do things according to my own plans.  And I’m sure anyone reading a story of my life would think the same things I did.  “Look Allison!  This is ridiculous!  Can’t you just stay on track for a little while?”  Because it’s so true.  I’m not perfect, and I definitely do my fair share of running back to God, teary-eyed and snotty-nosed and so truly repentant.  And that’s not to say it’s not sincere.  But I am so beyond thankful that our God is a God of grace, mercy and n^th chances.  That He knows our hearts and that He doesn’t give up.  So while the Israelites do frustrate me a bit, they hold a special place in my heart, because if I just substitute my name in there, those verses could be the story of my life.  But more than that, they are the story of the infinite grace our God gives and the incomprehensible love that is always within reach.  And that my friends, is the essence of the gospel.

So Judges eh?  Not so bad really.  Actually, I’m kind of liking this one.  Chime in!  What are your thoughts?  And as always, we leave you with some alphabitz to mull over…

Searching  Direction  Love

Sisters in Christ,

~Allison & Elizabeth

Chapel Coffee Conversation

Welcome to Alphabitz! We are Allison and Elizabeth. We met at Texas Lutheran University where we both went to school. Well, Allison is finishing her freshman year and I am getting ready to graduate. We thought it would be a good idea to start a blog to share our experiences with life in both college and in post-college life. Our faith is an important part of our lives and we have really enjoyed conversation about our faith. It was in campus chapels that we began to connect our faith to our everyday experiences in life. In January of this year we began a journey of reading through the Bible together. We did this by reading a little of the Bible each day and then we met on Fridays, after chapel, and joined each other for faith conversation over coffee. As the year went on we realized how much this journey challenged our faith. We began to understand why as Christians we often spend time reading the New Testament because the Old Testament is not always what we want to hear.

In Alphabitz we will share our experiences along our journey of reading through the Bible as we make connections with the scripture and our own lives as two young women of faith. We hope you will enjoy our thoughts and we hope you too are challenged and encouraged by scripture and everyday life!

Hi I'm Allison! As we've read through the Bible together so far, I've really enjoyed not only the different perspective that comes with reading scripture and hearing the thoughts of Elizabeth as she reads the same verses, but also the way the message comes to life. I've have also seen the way that sharing faith can create stronger relationships. I look forward to sharing this journey with you too, and I hope that you also can grow in your faith as you are challenged and strengthened by the scripture that has sustained our faith through the centuries.

Hey! I'm Elizabeth! I have really enjoyed this experience that Allison and I have had this year. I'm really sad that I will soon have to join her for coffee via skype to have our faith conversation about our Bible reading because I will no longer be living as close to her. I found that reading through the Bible is truly a journey which is much like faith. Reading hasn't always been easy. It hasn't always been easy to make the time to do reading and be faithful with it. Like my own faith, the experience of reading through the Bible has its own ups and downs, and begs many questions of me. As I enter the next chapter of my life after I graduate from TLU, I look forward to reading more of my Bible and I hope to spend a lifetime growing in my faith.

The two of us will end each blog entry with a few alphabitz for you to consider.

Friendship Journey Challenge

Sisters in Christ,
~Elizabeth & Allison