Sticks and Stones

As I stare at the bruises on my arms from the 6 IV sticks I received, I notice they are healing. One week later, but they are on the track to clearing me of looking like an abuse case. I can't help but think of that phrase, "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." While bruises hurt and can't be touched for a few days without a little wincing, words do hurt for a very long time.

I've always been the kid to stick her foot in her mouth, then regret it for days, weeks, months after. I'm not even exaggerating. I still think about the time I said something stupid to someone while working 10 years ago at camp and I still call myself an idiot over it because apparently my joke became someone's reality. I didn't know the history there nor did I know what their life was dealing with in that moment, because 1: I didn't bother to find out. 2: I didn't think outside of my own shoes. Words last. Bruises fade.

We are in a time right now where everyone is throwing around hateful words. They don't realize it - that is the sad thing, or maybe they realize it and not care. Either way, it needs to end. These words are destroying lives, hurting families, and breaking up friendships. If I sound dramatic, then you must be one of the ones flaunting the words, unknowingly expressing rights for the sake of your own agenda, and you fail to notice how your blanket statements and pointedness towards your "friends" can actually do harm right in front of you.

Luckily, in 1 Corinthians 13, we read this: "If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing."

Because of this passage, I can feel a little release. The people who speak harshly to me and have never taken the time of day to understand my life, my history, my family, my struggles, my heart, my daily hardships...don't deserve rental space in my head. The last few months have been hard. I'm going to be brutally honest here: I've had things go through my mind that have been unhealthy, unloving, and have caused me to question who I am as a daughter of the King. Those words have made me depressed for months and it has affected my family. But do the ones who throw words at it, in hopes of solving world problems even care to know the problems of the people around them before casting "their opinion"? Obviously not. 

So from now on, if you're like me and are affected by peoples' words, start over today.
Remember they don't have credibility in your life because:
1) They don't love you
2) They don't care about anything but their words and their "rights". Thus, they don't care about yours, unless you jump on board with theirs.
3) They will never assume the best out of you. 
4) They have not earned your respect. 
5) They will go public and never actually sit down with you to know your life. 
6) They will probably hate you no matter what you say. 
7) They should be ignored for all the reasons listed above. 

I've set a standard for myself when receiving "criticism". If someone is going to cast criticism at me, and I'm going to actually listen to it and consider it, they must:
1) Love Jesus
2) Love the Church (in general)
3) Love me
It doesn't work otherwise. 

You are loved. Just make sure you find those people who love you and meet your criteria and listen to them, not because you are fearful or hateful, but because you are important too. Don't ever allow toxic people to make you go to dark places over political or personal agendas. Those things don't last anyways. Jesus does and His love endures forever.


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Seek First

It is the magical season, filled with love, warmth, lights, parties, and festivities. Baking dozens of cookies to share with all around. Plastering lights on the house and in the house to bring a special kind of glow to the time of year.

I love these things...other than that baking part...I actually hate using an oven and a stove...
But it is indeed the time of year I look forward to the most. I love the family. I love the surprises. And now that I have a child, I love to see her excitement as she grows and comes into a better understanding of what Christmas is.

I believe, however, this is the question for many adults too. What is Christmas? As I scope out the social media and see saddened spirits because of the past or because this year won't be special, I hurt for them. I hurt because they are missing a big piece, or they have been burned this time of year before. And while Christmas is magical with all of the things we try to cram into it, it's magic would be greater and much more consistent if we relied on the biggest piece of all: Jesus.

I shudder when I see others try to make it about things of this world. Or other gods. Or try to argue that Christmas isn't about Jesus. I hurt because I know they hurt or will hurt.

When Christmas expectations aren't met, we are left on December 26 feeling emptier and mostly exhausted, rather than full and fully inspired. What if we did make Christmas about Jesus though?
Would we walk away from December 25th, feeling the light of His presence in our lives, no matter the circumstance, because we just spent time celebrating what He has done for us? I think Christmas is a time to pay dues - never because we are required to, but because He paid it all for us.
Everyday, we should pay it back, but Christmas is one of those times that gets so blown out of proportion with the materialism and the lack of Christ, that I feel we should make it so much more. Making it more of Jesus, makes it less exhausting.

We walk away feeling blessed beyond thought because we know His blessings ring true all the days of our lives when we walk with Him. We walk away hopeful, because He came as a humble baby and conquered on our behalf. We walk away joyful because His coming was a game changer for every aspect of our lives. We walk away peaceful because we are reminded that nothing in the world can touch us when we have Him. We walk away full of love because He is our ultimate example of unconditional, never-ending, never-failing love. We walk away full of light, because we as Christians have a reason to shine.

I get that we want to fight to accept everyone. I get that sharing love is misunderstood with acceptance. (I love my addicted friend, but I don't accept what he does.) I get that we feel that in order to accept everyone, we feel like we need to make Christmas a Holiday. But Christ came first, and He deserves to be FIRST. The FIRST commandments are about Him - in fact, one of the commandments tells us to put Him FIRST. We are to love Him FIRST. 
He has every right to be FIRST at Christmas. We love others, but we put God FIRST.

If I'm going to fight about anything or work to help others who need to desperately know Him, I will work to put Him first and show them how to do the same. He is the ultimate healer, helper, lover, peace-maker, happiness, hope, light. When you have that going for you and people you know have that going for them, you and they can't go wrong.
So I will say Christ is Christmas.
Because He is first. 



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Spring Observations

Gilmore Girls Spring Episode Spoilers coming:
Scroll by now if you haven't viewed it!
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Here are some things I loved/hated/noticed/caused me to gasp on Spring!

~International Food Festival in Stars Hallow?!?! How do I attend?
~Kirk's realization of eating pork...
~Logan and Rory...again...WHAT THE CRAP is this??
~Mitchum Huntzberger...the brief, yet powerful presence.
~Stars Hallow lacking in gays. Seems hard for me (and the town's people) to believe. And the neighboring towns refusing to "lend their gays".
~Trying to get Taylor to come out of the closet.
~ The "Secret Bar" that the whole town has successfully hidden from Taylor, and Babette of all people almost blabs it.
~Liz and TJ accidentally joining a Vegetable Cult...Seems right, yet I'm confused...What exactly is a "vegetable cult"? I'm intrigued, yet don't want to know...
~Paul Anka dreams return! "The REAL Paul Anka!"
~"Someone's been on the Google Box"
~ I want to know if there is more to "the letter" that Emily claims Lorelei sent on her birthday.
~A Second Film by Kirk!!!!! Even worse than the first...
~ "I'm starting an empire. Actually that word was in there, in big, bold letters."
~Paris still scaring everyone at Chilton, and critiquing where her money is going.
~The therapist needed a break from Emily and Lorelei...and just started smoking again
~If Paris says the word "sperm" again...
~Love the "circle of life" theme throughout. Rory back at Chilton advising kids.
~Francie's reappearance. Eeeeeeeee.... "Did I accidentally step into 2003?"
~I would have liked to see Lorelei and Headmaster Charleston go at it again...
~I wonder where Max is?
~Paris' kids are adorable?!
~Doyle and Paris' arguments are still amazing...the stairs...hahaha!
~This Rory-Logan thing...driving me crazy...
~Lorelei talking about Richard's death... another sob session. 
~A Parenthood star appearance! Lorelei (or should I say Sarah?) dropping her Parenthood daughter a line!
~"I slept with a Wookie."
~I hate Sandee...
~Also not fond of Rory's lucky dress...

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Winter Observations

 

Gilmore Girl Spoilers coming up.

Scroll by now if you don't want to share in my observations and excitements from episode 1, "Winter", quite yet...

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Ok...we good? Great. Here are some of my faves from the first episode:

~First observation was that Netflix filed Gilmore Girls under "Children & Family Movies"....ummm....not exactly an accurate spot...

~Rory and Lorelei's opening scene...Oh. My. Word! I think there were at least 30,000 words said in the name of witty, giggle candy. "You've been stuffed up in a glorified tin can for the last 7 hours surrounded by people with consumption, diphtheria, scabbies, rabid dogs, drugged up children..."

"What airline are you flying?"

~Lorelei stopping suddenly from chasing Rory because she "just hit all of her steps"... (this is me...)

~Zach's promotions being the biggest pain in the butt.

~"OOO-ber"

~The town chipping in to get Lulu and Kirk a pig to buy the the town a couple years of them reproducing.

~The troubadour is back! He's secretly my fave...

*Note this is only the first 8 minutes...

~Luke cooking a whole dinner while the girls eat tacos they got elsewhere getting offended. Then Lorelei blaming him for "body shaming" to "trigger warnings" to "the war on Christmas"...bahaha!

~Tater tots go great with tacos. Tater tots go great IN tacos!

~Poor, forgettable Paul...

~Lorelei's suffocating pajamas in the drawer, thus she can't put them away.

~The dirty (as in gross) bathroom dream...

~Fake WiFi passwords at Luke's

~Lorelei's meltdown over the missing coffee maker leading to the firing of a chef.

~The giganormous canvas painting of Richard. "You intended for my forearm and dad's eyebrow to be the same length!?"

~The ugly, sobbing (by me) during Richard's funeral.

~"But after you pass the peyote, what bathroom will you use to throw-up in?" -Emily

~Would you ever have a "fresh kid"?

~Luke's confusion about the surrogate process... bahahaha!

~Paris' current career...oh my!!! The "assessing"...ugh...

~The shocker of LOGAN! WHAT?!?!?! What is this "relationship"?!?!

~Emily in jeans.

~Emily's plan for her death. "It's in the cash box in an envelope labeled 'body-shipping money".

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30 Days of Thankfulness: Fall

I just love fall! It is so gorgeous everywhere, and every horizon looks like a patchwork quilt!
Today is definitely a wonderful reason to love it and be thankful for the beauty of it! God sure gives us some beautiful creation to look at!


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30 Days of Thankfulness: Trials

Today's thankful thought is a "weird" one, but I'm thankful for it nonetheless.
It doesn't feel natural to be thankful for the trials that happen in life. It's one of those things that is horrible and painful, but you have to endure it. I never knew how to be "thankful" for times like this in life until last year when I faced the unknown. I feel like now I talk about it all the time and I have no idea where my faith would be without that experience. I tip-toe the line of treasuring it and dreading it, both longing for the growth and strength it brought me, yet recalling the horrible pain that came along with it.
I look back and see that God was so faithful to me and wish for more experiences that shows the power He has in my life and in my faith. I know and I feel like this is an incredibly hard and weird thing to be thankful for, but I am.
I wouldn't be the person I am and have the faith I have in lesser things if it weren't for it. I now understand why we are told to "consider it pure joy when we face trials" (James 1:2)

I love that song by Elevation Worship:

I will look up for there is none above You
I will bow down to tell You that I need You
Jesus Lord of all

I will look back and see that You are faithful
I look ahead believing You are able
Jesus Lord of all, Jesus Lord of all
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30 Days of Thankfulness: Coffee!!!

That's right...today I'm ever-so-thankful for coffee! Those of you who know me, know my day isn't complete without it. So today, on this Monday where I was in a fog all morning long, I express my gratitude toward coffee and it's pick-me-up powers.

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30 Days of Gratitude: Friends That Share Your Obsessions...

For the month of November, I want to share something I'm thankful for! What better time to change your perspective for how blessed you are than a month notoriously known for thankfulness!

Today, I'm thankful for my friends that share my obsessions...in this case, scrapbooking!

The picture above is of an awesome group of ladies I scrapbooked with this Halloween weekend. I am just so thankful for these times of a mini vacation a few times a year and great people to catch up with and be creative alongside of. We were missing a few this weekend, but no matter the group, we always have fun! Pin It

One Week of Reflection: Family

In an effort to celebrate the amazing things that God has done in my life in 2014, and to reflect on how He has moved, I am dedicating the next week (up until 2015) to reflect on what I've learned throughout 2014.
Today, I reflect on July and August, which were the months I drew very close to family.

We were very blessed to be a part of Matt & Angela's wedding in July and got the opportunity to spend about a week in New York, not only sight-seeing, but simply spending time together in a different environment, as well as getting to know Angela's side. What a blessing it was to have that time, especially in light of what the first part of the year had been like.
We drew closer together (at least I did with others), and got to know each other in a different way. It was fun and a much needed laid back time for all of us.
As summer progressed, things got better and better, and we got to enjoy each others' company outside of the context of holidays, which is something my side doesn't do very often. Many game nights were had and cookouts were partaken.

We also took some time to camp out with our Dominican Team family, which was of course so much fun! Another element of family that is so different and so needed in my life. I can't wait to do that again with them all next year, and hopefully more of them will be able to join in on the fun we all had!

I truly learned the blessing of family in those couple months, and carry that with me today.   Pin It

One Week of Reflection: Crazy Bold

In an effort to celebrate the amazing things that God has done in my life in 2014, and to reflect on how He has moved, I am dedicating the next week (up until 2015) to reflect on what I've learned throughout 2014.
Today, I reflect on May and June 2014, which I title the "Crazy Bold" months.

Not only because I attended the "Crazy Bold" conference at MCRC in May, but because I was in an "I don't care what people think" mode those couple of months. I shared my heart, I shared my faith, even if it meant people hating me for it, and I shared my thoughts on church and life in general a lot.
In fact, I was looking through my posts on Facebook from May and June, a couple of them had me saying "wow...that was what I said?"

But as I read those, I realized that they were things that needed to be said, or reflected on. In fact, as a Christian, my job is to proclaim His Word no matter how "uncomfortable" it is. I think the circumstances I faced the prior months showed me that there is no time to waste, and no time to do what pleases the world. We are called to be the "salt", the "light", the "ambassadors" for Christ in a world that is plain and dark. That doesn't mean we are to offend or to shove our values on people. We are called to love and live with all people. We are not called to become what they are, however. I've actually learned to agree to disagree many times this year. If someone knows where I stand and what I'm trying to accomplish, and still wants nothing to do with it, I back off. The Bible says not to waste time on those who could care less about changing their ways. (Matthew 7:6 puts it pretty bluntly.)

I need to be better at this. I need to sometimes open my mouth when I need to speak up. I need to move when something needs to be done. I need to live in such a way, that others question why the powerhouse light shines through me. And I need to learn who not to waste my time on.   Pin It

One Week of Reflection: Major Turbulence

In an effort to celebrate the amazing things that God has done in my life in 2014, and to reflect on how He has moved, I am dedicating the next week (up until 2015) to reflect on what I've learned throughout 2014.
Today, I reflect on March and April 2014, which I title the "Major Turbulence" months.

These were the months that my life took a drastic turn and that changed me for the rest of my life. I can't remember any other time I went through such an altering.
Lucy was due to come April 1st, but I was scheduled to be induced end of March.
March 10th, however, Lucy had her own ideas, and "popped" her own bubble to come quicker.
I had a c-section to get our little bundle here and I can't tell you how amazing it was to meet my little girl and see her for the first time. It was love at first sight with her.
I was in ICU for the first night after having her (precaution), and didn't get to see her as much as I would have liked.
We got home with Lucy and it was most definitely a struggle. She had her days and nights mixed up. She was colicky. And I was still dealing with the c-section recovery, as well as on many different meds that made me feel funky. I wasn't really sure how to feel that week, so I assumed all of the lack of sleep, meds and the arena of new motherhood were all taking its toll on me.

On Sunday, March 23rd, just over a week of having Lucy home from the hospital, we went to Meijer to get groceries and just get out of the house. The night before I took a shower to try and get rid of a migraine and felt like I would pass out. I slept it off and felt better though. I wasn't really sure how to feel at this point since I had been through a c-section and spent nights up with Lucy, so I knew I wouldn't feel 100%. But in Meijer, it solidified that something more was wrong. 

I walked into the store from the car, while Mark pushed a cart with Lucy in it. I couldn't catch my breath. It was the oddest, and most eerie feeling ever. I can't even explain it. I tried to pass it off as either not exercising in months or a panic attack. I decided to wait in the pharmacy area while Mark grabbed our shopping list. He came back and I attempted to walk back out to the car, feeling better than I had walking in. But again, the same "can't catch my breath" feeling returned. So, next stop was the ER.

Judging by the crazy rate they got me in, I knew I probably looked like crap. I didn't know it at the time, by my O2 saturation was in the 60's (that's 60%, when you're supposed to be upper 90's or 100.) I was covered in wires and tubes in a matter of minutes. I felt better, but something wasn't right. After getting a CT Scan, we learned I had a significant blood clot in my lungs. The ER doc didn't feel comfortable moving forward there due to the size and my previous condition. So, I got a helicopter ride to GR.

I finally began to panic for the first time that whole night. Even when I couldn't breathe in Meijer, I felt like it was nothing. I had the eerie feelings, but not the panic feeling. Now, I was in the panic/what will happen feeling. I must say I enjoyed my ride. The sun was just setting over Lake Michigan, and the snow actually sparkled on the ground below. I felt warm and hopeful, and was reminded of God's love and comfort as I watched the impressive scenery whirling by outside.

We arrived in GR in 30 minutes! I was quite impressed with the timing. From there, I remembered being wheeled through many hallways, with the helicopter guy keeping the mood light the whole time. I was quite grateful for him in those moments. The people God sent to me throughout this whole ordeal was perfect timing for when I needed them. We got to the room, and again, more wires, tubes and poking.

I don't remember too much more from before my surgery except for finding out I'd need surgery, and the terror that I felt. It wasn't just any surgery. There would be opening my sternum (again) and bypass and heart & lung machines. Dr. Haw explained it, and only a few things stuck with me, like those descriptions. By this time, I had Mark, his dad, Seth and Eric there, as I had texted them to let them know what was going on. Again, very grateful to have that support in this critical time. Visitors are great when things settle down, but having core people around you as you endure the unknown is a necessity.

I felt scared, but hopeful, and surprisingly at a certain peace that I knew came straight from heaven. Dr. Haw was so confident, but very careful with his wording. He made us aware that he had never faced a situation quite like mine, but he knew exactly the condition I had and how to work around it. He was quite hopeful and positive, but still made the risk very evident.

Everyone there prayed with me. It was probably one of the hardest prayers I ever contributed to. I kissed my husband and was taken back to surgery.

From there, things are blank. But I woke up. God had decided my work wasn't done. I still had a little girl to raise and work to do. Recovery the few days after were rough. I remember that. I felt like I had been hit by a bus, as every bone, muscle and joint hurt. I spent about 4 days in the ICU, then was transferred to the heart center where I spent the next 2 weeks.

I got to visit Lucy every few days, thanks to the people who brought her to see me, as well as many friends. All were so encouraging to my healing process. Along the way, I learned just how incredibly lucky and blessed I was. They had pulled a 7 inch clot out of my lungs... 7 inches!!!! Plus, my condition had actually been a blessing, as I has larger blood vessels that allowed blood flow to continue around the clot. I shouldn't have made it through this, yet God wanted me to. He had the best doctors there, and His hand was what brought me though.

 Seeing Lucy the first time after surgery in the ICU.

This was how I watched the sunrise each morning, as it reflected off the children's hospital.

Visiting Lucy was so great, but every time she had to leave, it broke me.

This story goes on further, and it continues even today, but hopefully it will be in book format someday, and told in a more creative way. The bottom line is that God worked in my life in incredible ways, and I want to tell the world about the miracles He still does and be a light for Him through all of this. 

I call this story in particular "Easy Faith" because it can be so easy to seek God's face when things are at their lowest. When all the cards are stacked against us and when we have no where to look, but up. However, when we remember these incredible things God does for us, then apply that faith in the times that are awesome and great in life, we have faith indeed. Let this inspire you to always look to Him alone. Pin It

One Week of Reflection: How I'm Loved

In an effort to celebrate the amazing things that God has done in my life in 2014, and to reflect on how He has moved, I am dedicating the next week (up until 2015) to reflect on what I've learned throughout 2014.
Today, I reflect on January and February 2014, which were indeed the "How I am Loved" Months.

God surely showed me people who poured out their love and encouragement on me in January and February this past year. Being in my 3rd trimester of pregnancy and enduring the icy, cruel, subzero winter, I was feeling very down in those months. But I was blessed in so many ways by friends and family who threw me baby showers, got me pedicures, haircut, drove me around, bought me treats and showered me with the blessings that I know came straight from heaven.

January 14, I celebrated 2 years with my hubby.
Late January, I was showered with baby shower number 1!
Early February, I took a fall down our stairs that left me worried about our little Lucy. After a time of monitoring, we learned she was just fine. Mommy was left a bit sore, but also good.
Early February I was again showered with baby shower number 2 (a big surprise one!)
Early February (same week as the above events) I went through a time that left me shaken and scared of what could come. I don't want to go into detail about this one, but it was horrible.
Mid February, I felt so much love from so many people in getting pampered!
Late February - another shower!

I faced trials in early February that left me bruised physically and emotionally, but God showed me that He was in control and could provide the people in my life that kept me strong, even when it felt the bottom fell out.
Little did I know at the time, He was preparing me for bigger, more major things to come.
I reflect on how He places blessings in places just when we need them and have learned that He will provide for me no matter how major or minor the problem is. It is incredible to look back on these months and realize that though things at the time seemed hard, God was only preparing me for what was to come. He knew where I'd be heading and He covered me in amazing love and grace.
Remember to look to Him for your blessings and strength!
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My Problem with American Christianity

I've been wrestling with this whole being a Christian in America thing for the last few months...years, actually. I'm not 100% sure what stirred it. Maybe it was a combination of the books I've been reading and my trips to the Dominican Republic, but all I know is that it has been a stirring topic in my heart and mind for some time now. Perhaps this scenario really began to brew it for me:

We entered a good-sized chunk of land carved out in the middle of the busy community. Busy, as in many kids, a lot of foot traffic, and the noise of roosters, people, and those kids calling out our presence. A gate opened to a section of property with rocky, uneven ground and a single gazebo in the middle of the surrounding area. We were going to have a church service here tonight.

A bus filled with Dominicans from the city unloaded on the inside of the compound walls, releasing folks with different types of clothes, and I would imagine, different backgrounds in life. They seemed excited to be here, in this property with hardly anything. A band set up their instruments and started playing before the service was to begin. Children interacted with us, and we played games, told stories (with translators of course) and did an Easter craft with them, while parents mingled with other parents. Some kids just came from down the street to check out the fun and the commotion.
I couldn't help but think about this service that was about to happen, and wonder how it would be pulled off. My mentality was always on the details of the power point slides, the worship practices, the timings, the people who spoke and that they said the right things...yet the people who seemed to be in charge here didn't even fuss about anything. There was nothing in the worries of details or the technicalities of this service.

Once the service began, there was a worship set, pumping from the center gazebo, typical of what you'd expect at any American church, but in Spanish. The tunes were familiar, but the words were in another language, still in God's language though. People didn't care if they knew the words or not. They stilled danced and swayed and seemed to lift their hearts up. I couldn't help but think about the glances at home the poor power point guy would get if the words weren't right on the screen, or the leader of the band would get for not following them. They were in a company of believers and that's all that mattered.

The message didn't entail all the flair of videos or pictures. In fact, dark clouds threatened from above, relieving us from the heat. No one cared. Everyone was so thrilled to have this here on a Saturday night. A service they usually never have. The message was from the Bible and there were people listening intently. No one seemed to worry if the message would hit them in "just the right way" or if it meant anything to them. It was God's Word. Of course it meant something to them!
No power points. No videos. Barely "today's hit Christian music" or even the "good ol' hymns". Not even a roof! Just people gathering to be in the company of believer and to lead their neighbors and children to something amazing.

After coming home after this touching experience, I stood in our church the following Sunday, glancing around at the details, as I normally do at a Sunday service. My nerves always high and wondering what people thought of the service. Some sang along with the words, staring at the screens. Others just stared. One or two had a hand up or were swaying. This atmosphere seemed...dead.
Suddenly, I realized I was missing something. Many of us were missing something. My whole life, growing up in the church, I was missing it. I was focused on the details. On the people around me. On what their thoughts were. On my feelings of the church experience. On their feelings of the church experience.
Yet I had JUST realized that in the Dominican at that church service, I hardly cared about my OWN feelings and my comfort. I was in awe of the simplicity and of the hearts that also didn't care what people thought. They didn't wait to sing until a song they knew. Heck, if they didn't know the song, they still were enthralled in the words and the worship. All that this thing "church" was to them was giving back to God, no matter how it was.It was something they invited their neighbors to, and they didn't care what kind of experience it would be either. They just wanted to know more.
And it was at some point after that, that I realized that we are a spoiled nation.
And we are a nation of spoiled Christians.
Blunt - yes. Maybe even enough to send you into a fit about me being unfair, and argue that I don't know your heart. And you're right, I don't. I don't need to know your heart. If you think you are in a good, complacent place with God in your heart, then I'm so happy for you. I don't sing the songs sometimes. Sometimes I leave church unsatisfied, and I'm pretty certain I'm in a good spot with God. But this is a heart matter to me.
The atmospheres are different. People with nothing are happier than us with everything. We're particular about the seats we put our butts on. (Did I mention that cinder blocks were a common seat at the Dominican church?) We're particular about our music. We're particular about our building and the color of it. We're particular about who's preaching and how they're preaching. All are valid and even deal-breakers for people. But when you live in a society where everything is within reach, that is what happens.
The fight is not about the inside of the church. It is about the outside. We are a blessed, free nation with endless resources for "how to do church". The fact is, however, we can do church straight out of the Bible. Yes, that book that sits around until Sunday rolls around. And yes, you can use that book for more than Sunday mornings.
It doesn't need the flair, the particular music, the coffee, or even the roof! It takes an open heart and an attitude of thankfulness to what God has given us. Since when is it about us? This is the mentality that will sink Christianity in a society that continually looks at the "us" factor. Let's heed Jesus' words from Matthew 9:12b-13: "Jesus replied, 'Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? Go figure out what this Scripture means: ‘I’m after mercy, not religion.’ I’m here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders.” (Message)

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Photo a Day: March 18, 2013

Spring Snow

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Photo a Day: March 17, 2013

Tuckered Out

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Photo a Day: March 16, 2013

Driving Sun

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Photo a Day: March 15, 2013

Cozy Kitty

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Photo a Day: March 14, 2013

My Lil Bunny

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Photo a Day: March 13, 2013

Spring is on the way...I hope.

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Photo a Day: March 12, 2013

Stuffed Peppers- 1st Attempt

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