6:54 p.m. Today's project was to gather a myriad of papers and slips together to sort and record for our 2009 taxes. I had put it off for as long as possible because this is the first year I'll be doing the entire task myself. Those pre-appointment packets were Steve's specialty--I would just help him gather the documents, he'd fill out the pages, and I could go on with my Saturday chores. Oh, well, I just needed to block out the entire day.
We had a very bright spot of Spirit-filled sunshine in the house overnight, namely, Baby Steven home from Fresno. Thanks to his having a diet coach in Hemet, he comes home every two weeks to get checked by this Christian professional and to have his pre-competition diet adjusted. Steven's bodybuilding competition is in April, so he's in the slim-down period after bulking up to 260 lbs at 5'11. HEFTY! The diagnosis: fewer carbs now, and only on alternating days, for the final 20 pound loss. A win in the competition will secure lots of magazine spreads by his sponsor MuscleTech, so every bite he eats from here on out is critical. Steven certainly knows what it means to "count the cost!" (Luke 14:28)
What made his visit exciting was his recounting to Steve and me all that the Lord is doing in his life! Street evangelism to the homeless, witnessing at work, bring friends to rededicate their lives, utterly on fire! As head track coach for Fresno Christian High School, he has to give a short devotional every day before practice, and the examples he gave me were right-on! (I really liked the references he gave about his childhood, especially his mom's influence, haha! All that yakking, needling and lecturing were not in vain, apparently!) The People's Church high school group helps lead includes troubled youth bused in from a group home; they are seeing a gradual breakdown of defenses and the beginning of hope in those boys' hearts. Steven had a rather terrifying vision of the sin in this world from the Lord on Tuesday night, and has had a hard time getting to sleep since. But a wise pastor assured him that he needs to study the Word as much as possible and get prepared for the work God will be calling him to do, and they will be sitting down together soon!
Yes, God still speaks to his people in visions and dreams, according to Acts 2:17, where the Apostle Peter quotes Joel 2:28: "And it will come to pass afterward [after the restoration of His people Israel] that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions."
A funny question was asked of us by our family doctor, Richard Guzman, a couple of weeks ago, when in answer to his question of "Where's Steven lately?" we mentioned some of Steven's work up in Fresno at church and the Christian University he's attending. He said, "do you think he's going to be a minister?" We didn't know how to answer that, because I don't even know if our doctor is a believer, but God can speak a prophetic word through anyone He chooses... amen?
Now you see why it was just so great to have Steven here overnight. After getting up at 5 a.m. for two hours of cardio and black coffee, he joined a very late breakfast with Steve and Heidi and me-- loud, boisterous and "full of beans" as usual (only make that tuna, eggs and chicken breast!)
Off he went back home--admittedly it's sad for his mom that Fresno is his home now. Fresno is the place God is using him! And who am I to fight against God??!But how can I be sad, really, when Steven is following the Lord and being led by the Spirit? How else could he actually survive far from home on three poorly paid jobs?
Steven's determination to serve, sacrifice, and achieve his goals is an inspiration to me--I better get to work now!!
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