I love Christ, but I hate religion... why do you think that is??
Seriously, right now we are going through some tough stuff with our church. I really love so much about it. It's hard because it is as though we've fallen out of relationship there.
There's a capital campaign going on, and much of the information that is coming from that is so one-sided, and in my opinion just plain wrong that it is downright offensive. Urging people to consider a home equity loan in order to support the capital campaign?!?! And, yes, we have Financial Peace at this church. UGH!
Add to that bad feelings about the entire confirmation process which can only be described as pharisiatical (sp?) at best, and we are in a quandry. Issues that our son has with some of the other boys, and well, ick. It would be easy if that were all that was present, but...
On the other hand, dd has GRACE liturgical dance, she has friends, and I like the doctrine of the church. I am also tied there. I pointed out to dh that, well, frankly in order to fall out of relationship that means there's some failing on all part to work it out.
Upshot: We're now dual faith. Daughter will be confirmed at our current church, and we'll attend half time at our current church. Ds will not be confirmed... it's likely that he'll join another church as an adult, or go through their confirmation process... and we'll attend half time there.
It is rotten. It is miserable. And no one is completely happy... which prolly means it is the right decision. At least for now...
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Sometimes the right answer is No.
It's odd really. I have little problem saying no to so many things. I can say no to my daughter's request to go to the mall, no to my son's wish for a new video game, no to a second helping (although that is a recent development) sometimes no is easy.
I have noticed, though, that sometimes no is harder to say. When a friend asks if I can do a favor, when my son wants to stay later to work on debate, when my daughter asks if I can bake some cookies or cupcakes for school... it is so easy to say yes. Sometimes, though, yes is not the right answer. The right answer is no.
I've done it so many times. I've overloaded my schedule creating stress for myself, my family and damaging those things that are really important. Honestly. It's been a real problem for me.
Now, I know, especially in the wake of our new President's call to service my focus on faith and family, etc., and unwillingness to bite off more than I can chew may seem downright selfish. Perhaps it is. On the other hand, though, Jesus tells us that our highest commitment is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind and soul. (Matthew 22:37) He also reminds us that we must remain in Him. He tells us, basically, I am the vine and you are the branches, cut off from me, you can do nothing. (John 15:5)
I have to keep first things first. In keeping the main thing the main thing, there are many temptations. It's also important to remember our passions. We all have things that energize us and make us feel alive. God made us this way! For me, it's running and fitness. I need to have time to pursue that on a regular basis.
I am fortunate, and also a bit politically incorrect, because I've learned the Lord has given me an ally. My husband. I've found that he, more than I, is better able to combat the feelings of condemnation and guilt I feel when I say no to what appears to be a worthy cause. He helps make me sure that I choose what is best... and avoid Martha's mistake.
After all, if I spend 40 hours at work, and 20 hours volunteering for good causes, but my family doesn't have dinner, and my teens need the support of outside mentors... I've not accomplished anything. If I don't have connection with Him, all my work will come to nothing. If I've not allowed time to do the things I am passionate about... I'll lose my passion.
So... I'm not saying not to answer the new President's call... I'm saying to prayerfully consider how you can best serve, and to remember that keeping the first commandment is still the most important. :)
I have noticed, though, that sometimes no is harder to say. When a friend asks if I can do a favor, when my son wants to stay later to work on debate, when my daughter asks if I can bake some cookies or cupcakes for school... it is so easy to say yes. Sometimes, though, yes is not the right answer. The right answer is no.
I've done it so many times. I've overloaded my schedule creating stress for myself, my family and damaging those things that are really important. Honestly. It's been a real problem for me.
Now, I know, especially in the wake of our new President's call to service my focus on faith and family, etc., and unwillingness to bite off more than I can chew may seem downright selfish. Perhaps it is. On the other hand, though, Jesus tells us that our highest commitment is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind and soul. (Matthew 22:37) He also reminds us that we must remain in Him. He tells us, basically, I am the vine and you are the branches, cut off from me, you can do nothing. (John 15:5)
I have to keep first things first. In keeping the main thing the main thing, there are many temptations. It's also important to remember our passions. We all have things that energize us and make us feel alive. God made us this way! For me, it's running and fitness. I need to have time to pursue that on a regular basis.
I am fortunate, and also a bit politically incorrect, because I've learned the Lord has given me an ally. My husband. I've found that he, more than I, is better able to combat the feelings of condemnation and guilt I feel when I say no to what appears to be a worthy cause. He helps make me sure that I choose what is best... and avoid Martha's mistake.
After all, if I spend 40 hours at work, and 20 hours volunteering for good causes, but my family doesn't have dinner, and my teens need the support of outside mentors... I've not accomplished anything. If I don't have connection with Him, all my work will come to nothing. If I've not allowed time to do the things I am passionate about... I'll lose my passion.
So... I'm not saying not to answer the new President's call... I'm saying to prayerfully consider how you can best serve, and to remember that keeping the first commandment is still the most important. :)
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Feelings
I've been pondering this for quite some time. Obviously, we were created with emotions and these are gifts from God. However, I also know that these emotions can cause us problems in our walk with Him.
There are times when we may feel exceptionally close to Him. We have the sense that He is with us, and surrounds us with his loving presence. Those are wonderful times in a Christian's walk. The fact is there is no feeling that is better.
At other times, though, we may feel abandoned. We have the sense that He is gone and has withdrawn from us. These are painful and hard times in a Christian's walk. The fact is that there is no feeling that is more hurtful.
However, the reality is that we cannot trust our feelings about our closeness to Him. Paul says, for we walk by faith and not by sight. He might just as well have said, we walk by faith and not by feelings. Our feelings can be wrong, and inaccurate.
Our sight can be off. We've had blizzards here in sunny but freezing SoDakota, and I must tell you those blizzards...are really something. You can be driving along and think you know where the road is, but a sudden gust of howling wind, and blowing snow, whites out the road right in front of you. Sight... is not such a good guide in times like these. :)
Ever taken offense at a comment that was meant innocently? Ever assumed something about someone that was incorrect because of a feeling that you had? These are just examples of how we can be misled.
The good news, though, is that the Lord knows how He made us. He's given us His word to follow. If we trust in that and walk by faith in the word when those doubts and feelings of abandonment set in, we'll know that He is always with us... He promised He would be.
So today, I'm going to work on walking more by faith and less by sight. More by faith, and less by feelings.
Be Blessed!
There are times when we may feel exceptionally close to Him. We have the sense that He is with us, and surrounds us with his loving presence. Those are wonderful times in a Christian's walk. The fact is there is no feeling that is better.
At other times, though, we may feel abandoned. We have the sense that He is gone and has withdrawn from us. These are painful and hard times in a Christian's walk. The fact is that there is no feeling that is more hurtful.
However, the reality is that we cannot trust our feelings about our closeness to Him. Paul says, for we walk by faith and not by sight. He might just as well have said, we walk by faith and not by feelings. Our feelings can be wrong, and inaccurate.
Our sight can be off. We've had blizzards here in sunny but freezing SoDakota, and I must tell you those blizzards...are really something. You can be driving along and think you know where the road is, but a sudden gust of howling wind, and blowing snow, whites out the road right in front of you. Sight... is not such a good guide in times like these. :)
Ever taken offense at a comment that was meant innocently? Ever assumed something about someone that was incorrect because of a feeling that you had? These are just examples of how we can be misled.
The good news, though, is that the Lord knows how He made us. He's given us His word to follow. If we trust in that and walk by faith in the word when those doubts and feelings of abandonment set in, we'll know that He is always with us... He promised He would be.
So today, I'm going to work on walking more by faith and less by sight. More by faith, and less by feelings.
Be Blessed!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Time
Sometimes there are not enough hours in the day. So much that I want to get done and accomplished.
It's times like these that I have to be watchful and wary. It's so easy to say, oh well, I'll do my devotion later in the day... and then that particular time never arrives. I'm learning a bit about my spiritual muscles as I learned last year about my physical self. I am the sort of person who really shouldn't put these most important things off.
I used to put off exercise until later in the day and would make the excuse that there just isn't time. There was time, though. I just hadn't made using it for exercise a priority. Now, I'm not saying that to beat up on anyone... I'm saying it because I now recognize it as a truth for myself.
I realize that what I did with exercise I've done with my time with Him. I've said that I have no time. When, in reality, I haven't used the time for and with Him. A simple change of focus, and suddenly... it's easier.
I'd rather spend time exercising, and sitting at His feet instead of watching another mindless show, or something else. It really reminds me of the story where a professor is discussing time management with students. He takes a jar and fills it with sand then tries to put larger rocks in and everything doesn't fit. However, when he puts the rocks in first, the sand fills in around the rocks and everything fits.
So... what are your rocks? What things are so important that you'll fill your jar of time with? For me, those rocks are God, exercise, work, family, church. Although, not necessarily in exactly that order. The sand... is important too. But if the rocks are first... the sand will fit.
It's times like these that I have to be watchful and wary. It's so easy to say, oh well, I'll do my devotion later in the day... and then that particular time never arrives. I'm learning a bit about my spiritual muscles as I learned last year about my physical self. I am the sort of person who really shouldn't put these most important things off.
I used to put off exercise until later in the day and would make the excuse that there just isn't time. There was time, though. I just hadn't made using it for exercise a priority. Now, I'm not saying that to beat up on anyone... I'm saying it because I now recognize it as a truth for myself.
I realize that what I did with exercise I've done with my time with Him. I've said that I have no time. When, in reality, I haven't used the time for and with Him. A simple change of focus, and suddenly... it's easier.
I'd rather spend time exercising, and sitting at His feet instead of watching another mindless show, or something else. It really reminds me of the story where a professor is discussing time management with students. He takes a jar and fills it with sand then tries to put larger rocks in and everything doesn't fit. However, when he puts the rocks in first, the sand fills in around the rocks and everything fits.
So... what are your rocks? What things are so important that you'll fill your jar of time with? For me, those rocks are God, exercise, work, family, church. Although, not necessarily in exactly that order. The sand... is important too. But if the rocks are first... the sand will fit.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Year End Wrap Up and Resolutions for 2009.
Well... these were the resolutions:
1. To be more pleasant and less plump! - Definitely less plump. 47 lbs less so, in fact. More pleasant... well, dh says I'm happier so that must mean yes.
2. To spend time in the morning working out- Yes! Running is my friend.
3. To spend time with the Lord each morning. Need to work on this one. Maybe I need to move quiet time to evenings. That used to work really well.
4. To drink at least 8 glasses of water a day: *whistles*
5. To eat 6 small meals a day balanced with carbs and protein. Definitely better! Not perfect, but I've stuck to it mostly.
6. To motivate myself by encouraging others!! That's been good! At least I hope the others have felt encouraged. It does keep me plugging away too.
-------------------------------
Resolutions for 2009.
1. To continue the quest to be less plump...
2. To add in a consistent program of strength training to the running.
3. Making time to sit at His feet, whether morning, noon or night. The entire day goes better when I do. So, that is a focus.
4. Drink more water.
5. Keep a good protein/carb balance going.
6. Continue to encourage others... thereby motivating myself.
Have a Great end to this Year, and a wonderful start to the next!
Be Blessed!
1. To be more pleasant and less plump! - Definitely less plump. 47 lbs less so, in fact. More pleasant... well, dh says I'm happier so that must mean yes.
2. To spend time in the morning working out- Yes! Running is my friend.
3. To spend time with the Lord each morning. Need to work on this one. Maybe I need to move quiet time to evenings. That used to work really well.
4. To drink at least 8 glasses of water a day: *whistles*
5. To eat 6 small meals a day balanced with carbs and protein. Definitely better! Not perfect, but I've stuck to it mostly.
6. To motivate myself by encouraging others!! That's been good! At least I hope the others have felt encouraged. It does keep me plugging away too.
-------------------------------
Resolutions for 2009.
1. To continue the quest to be less plump...
2. To add in a consistent program of strength training to the running.
3. Making time to sit at His feet, whether morning, noon or night. The entire day goes better when I do. So, that is a focus.
4. Drink more water.
5. Keep a good protein/carb balance going.
6. Continue to encourage others... thereby motivating myself.
Have a Great end to this Year, and a wonderful start to the next!
Be Blessed!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Taking Stock...
On the 31st, I'll be posting a wrap up of the year. One of the great things about this blog is that I am able to keep track of what I'm doing, and how that measures up to my intentions. One of the painful things about this blog is that I am able to keep track of what I'm doing and how that measures up to my intentions.
I suspect that I'll be pleased, and disappointed. However, every change is a victory. And every set back is just that. A setback. It doesn't mean you'll never succeed. It means you've slipped up. That's all.
So... what are you taking stock of this year? Make some time to do that, and cut yourself some slack too!
I suspect that I'll be pleased, and disappointed. However, every change is a victory. And every set back is just that. A setback. It doesn't mean you'll never succeed. It means you've slipped up. That's all.
So... what are you taking stock of this year? Make some time to do that, and cut yourself some slack too!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Ah... Christmas is over...
and CHRISTmas will never end. All the joy and anticipation we have in remembering God's great gift on this one day for those of us who know, accept and rejoice in it... it shouldn't be over. It doesn't end with the unwrapping, and tossing away of garbage. It doesn't end with the redecorating.
We should continue to Keep CHRISTmas in our hearts, as Dickens exhorted us to do in A Christmas Carol. This is not the only time of year to give of ourselves, to give to charity, to help strangers with packages.
If you don't know this joy, if you are seeking truth, know that He is looking for you too. He is not willing that any should perish...
Remember... all you need to do is reach out and take His gift. Freely given, and completely unearned. Once you've done that... He'll do the rest!
We should continue to Keep CHRISTmas in our hearts, as Dickens exhorted us to do in A Christmas Carol. This is not the only time of year to give of ourselves, to give to charity, to help strangers with packages.
If you don't know this joy, if you are seeking truth, know that He is looking for you too. He is not willing that any should perish...
Remember... all you need to do is reach out and take His gift. Freely given, and completely unearned. Once you've done that... He'll do the rest!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)