Why Go to Church?

What exactly is the reason we need to go to church? Many times in my life I've kind of struggled with this question. Of course, the first time being in high school, when nothing is fun and you'd rather be sleeping or hanging out with friends than doing anything else.  The only thing I looked forward to about church was playing MASH and Hangman in the back row with my cousin Sara.

This attitude followed me to college where my new found freedom was very liberating.  I often slept in and only went to church when my boyfriend's parents invited us for lunch afterward.  And I'm sure my future in-laws were very impressed with the devout girl their boy was bringing home.

After I got married we attended church on a fairly regular basis. It wasn't all that important to us to go but after growing up in the church, you just can't not go. So we did, although we didn't make any connections or get involved in any way.  We just were bodies in the pew...sometimes being moved by sermons but never moved enough to spurn us into any kind of change.

About 6 years ago, at 26 years old, a believer since I was 8...I finally grasped it.  Why we need church.  Or more importantly, why we need other believers.

We had just moved to a new town and started going to church there. Several people asked us to go to Sunday School and other activities but we did not want to go.  Mainly because we didn't want to be uncomfortable, thrown in with not wanting to get up any earlier than we had to.  But people were relentless in their efforts and we finally tried out Sunday School.

We eventually got over feeling uncomfortable and got "plugged in," going to Sunday School on a regular basis and getting involved in different areas.  We felt a sense of belonging and support that we didn't realize we had been missing all those years. And we began to grow.  I quickly saw how little I really knew about my faith and I longed to know more.  I soaked everything up like a sponge over the next several years just trying to make up for lost time.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago.  Eric and I were back to playing hangman in the back row.  Feeling burned out of church functions, church responsibilities, church problems, church church church. Blah.  What had once been a great environment of growth had shifted, in my mind, to an environment of never ending responsibilities and stressors.  I'm sure everyone goes through a little church burn out now and then.  But, I felt myself again asking the question of why do we need to go to church?  Life would be a lot easier without it sometimes.

I got a good reminder of why when Graham was born.

Community.

I had such a huge network of believers to tap on the shoulder to pray, I don't think I even used them all. My church, my friends churches, my Bible study girls, my blog faithfuls... And I felt an unexplainable amount of peace and contentment that only comes from a multitude of believers praying at the same time.

I may be a little worn out with church but what I need is a shift in priorities, some time spent in prayer about it, and maybe a smidge better attitude.  Not to question my community with believers or to consider sleeping in a bit more.

We need community with other believers.  Period.  We were created for community.  We need others for growth, to challenge and teach us.  We need them to pray for us.  We need their support and encouraging words.  And we are called to do the same for them. 

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:24-25

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Graham got to go home today!  He did so well with recovery, his surgery was only 7 days ago.  Praise the Lord!  He will have several check up's over the next few months and years but if all looks well he will live like a "normal" little boy. Thanks to the community of believers that lifted him up in prayer.

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This week's verse:

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

Philippians 2:1-2

Off to School and Graham Update

Amidst the roller coaster of emotions that I've been experiencing because of Graham (see update below), my firstborn started Kindergarten.  Not sure I had any tears left for this, but I'm also not sure I would've cried them anyway.  She was all sparkles and sunshine. 

I was a little worried she wouldn't talk about her day with me, but that was an unfounded fear. Here's the short version:

How'd your day go Ry?

"I made a friend today!"

"Mrs. Beren's looked so pretty."

"We have to wear red tomorrow, do I have anything with red on it?"

"I sat by Wyatt and Seth, Savannah and Leah were next to them and Lindsey was..."

"A boy got sent home today because he was naughty!" (we threatened her that they would send her home if she didn't obey the teacher...pretty sure no one got sent home.)

"We had centers, I played in the kitchen today."

"Our classroom has a bathroom in it!"

"I had to get three drinks during recess."

Are you ready to go back tomorrow?

"Ya Mom, but I hope Daddy don't cry again."

For the record, I'm sure Eric would like me to point out that he just said that he "wanted to cry" because his girl was getting too big.....so I will point it out, although it wouldn't surprise me if Rylie saw something I didn't. :)

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Graham had open heart surgery 2 days ago.  The surgery went very well and now Ann and Drew are experiencing the ups and downs of recovery.  One step forward and two steps back.  I feel like I've been walking around with my heart in my throat since his birth and I'm just the Aunt/sister.  I received this email from Ann this morning:

"Thank you so much for all of your prayers. I would not be able to get through this without them. My update as of 6 this morning. Graham had a wonderful night. They are going to try to get him off his oxygen this morning, which is the first step to him getting stronger. He is withdrawing from his strong pain meds, which is normal, but I don't like it. He shivers and shakes a little; heart breaking to see. My prayer for today is for his body to breathe perfectly on its own and for the withdraws to stop immediately. Again, your prayers are keeping me going. I had a really bad day yesterday of questioning, crying and exhaustion. God gave me rest last night and strength for another day at the NICU. I'm praying they'll start tube feeding him by tonight and maybe by tomorrow I can hold him again.

I love you all and would ask that you would forward this to anyone who would be willing to pray for our family."

Ann

Prayer for Graham

 The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

James 5:16

This is my sister Ann and her new baby boy Graham.  He was born on Saturday, August 20th. She hasn't gotten to hold him since.

He couldn't breathe on his own and needed oxygen right away.  The doctors soon discovered that (for lack of a technical term) his heart valves were switched around.  He will need open heart surgery. Yesterday he was able to breathe on his own without oxygen and if he can remain stable they will do surgery tomorrow afternoon.

I would be so grateful if you would join me in prayer for Ann, her husband Drew, and their 2 daughters Brooklynn and Breckynn.

Please pray:

~ for peace that passes all understanding for the family

~ that little Graham remains in stable condition to do surgery tomorrow

~ for comfort and rest for Ann and Drew

~ for successful surgery and that the Lord would guide the surgeon's hands!

~ and for a complete recovery and healthy little boy

Thank you for your support and prayer! I already am amazed at how God has worked in little Graham's life through the power of prayer. 

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This Week's Verse:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

One Year Marks Mild Improvement

Eric and the girls made me a cake...and we had to have candles!  A lot of them.

This time last year I was celebrating my 31st birthday.  I still struggle with being "in my thirties" but feel like I have made a few improvements over the last year worth mentioning.  Take for instance, my eyebrows.  About this time last year I was in a crisis...read here if you don't remember it.

Well, my awesome husband got me a sitter for my birthday, so I decided to go pamper myself a little.  I splurged on a facial and eyebrow wax.  If I could justify it, I would be doing this once a month but considering I could sponsor 2 Compassion children for the cost of one visit holds me back a bit.  So once a year will have to do.

My experience yesterday was a marked improvement over last year.  Unfortunately Sissy was not around to witness this, but Stephanie was sure impressed:


"You have great eyebrows!  I hardly need to do anything to them."

"Really? I haven't had anything done to them since last year," I was genuinely surprised that they looked good.

"You pluck these by yourself?"

"Yeah," I said with growing confidence.

"Wow, most people butcher their eyebrows when they pluck....(laughter)."

"Ahem.....ya.....ha....crazy!"  I totally didn't fess up.  I just reveled in the praise.

What idiot would butcher their eyebrows?  Clearly, with age, comes a better beauty regimen.  (Thanks Amber - you totally saved me!)

So, I felt confident after I got home.  I am improving with age!  Then I looked back at my post on my birthday last year and lost all confidence.  No improvements there.

1. My hair is still long, although I do have plans to cut it....soon.


2.  Last week I bought a couple dresses at Maurices.  They were 60% off, what was I supposed to do? Walk away?  I don't think so.  However, I didn't step foot in American Eagle so I deserve a pat on the back for that at least.

3.  I jammed out to Justin Timberlake on the way home from my facial.  No mature music improvements.  Strike three.

4. November 18th.  That's the release date for Breaking Dawn Part 1.  I should not know that.


So I haven't matured much over the course of a year, but do feel like I'm settling into my age a little. I'm enjoying this stage of life. No matter how tiring it sometimes is.  As long as people stop telling me that 40 is just around the corner...life is good.

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I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who gave me "Congrats" and "Happy Birthday's" over the last couple days! For as much as I gripe about social media being negative, there is so much positivity to it also. I was completely overwhelmed by the number of people who took time to say a few kind words! Makes me realize I need to be more intentional about this for others. It was touching. Very touching!

Round #3

I took 5 before I really actually believed it.

I feel sick.

And tired.

And cranky, as my posts have probably reflected.

But, more than that I feel blessed. 

Blessed that God has given me another child.

And a little shocked that He thinks I can handle it.

He's due in February.

We're hoping for a boy so I prefer to be optimistic about the "he" part.

What can it hurt?

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This Week's Verse:

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it."
Mark 8:34-35

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My friend Anna's adoption recently was covered on Channel 3 news! Check it out!

Make sure to go on her blog to leave a comment about her story! She gets one dollar for every comment left.  Plus you can't help but be touched by the outpouring of support and all the kind words from others!  Might want to keep your Kleenex handy!

The Heat Made Me Do It

Last week this headline made the front page news in our local paper:

*Domestic Disturbance Calls Rise with Summer Temperatures*

I am willing to bet that this didn't surprise anyone in town.  What is it about the heat that makes you want to wail on someone? I'm not usually one to complain about the heat because I would've given my right arm for days like these last February.  But with the heat index for July clocking in at an average of about 101 degrees, one can't expect me to hold my tongue forever.  And let's just face it, the heat brings out the cranky.

For instance, I couldn't help it that I ripped my husband up, down and sideways for sneaking in the house, yelling "boo" and scaring the living daylights out of me.

It's just not that funny.

Not in the heat.


And I can't be blamed that last week when the trash truck drove by our house I told the girls I was going to throw them in it if they fought one more time.

I just can't handle it.

Not in the heat.


And what about a few days ago, when I told Eric to shoot Wayne (our cat) for peeing on our camping chairs in the garage.

I don't do extra messes.

Not in the heat.


Clearly, I haven't been myself.  The heat made me do it.

Now that the August weather has been wonderful, I'm finding it hard to blame my words and actions on the heat.  Guess we'll have to go back to hormones for a while.  At least until winter sets in.

Are We in God's Will?

Every week someone from our church writes a devotional to go along with the verse we are memorizing.  I thought today's devotional about being in God's will by Wendall Loewen, a Tabor Bible Prof., was especially good.  When faced with a big decision I often find myself wondering if I made the right choice.  Will I be doing God's will if I choose this way or that way? 

This is Wendall's take on our verse for this week:

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Romans 12:2

"'How can I know God's will for my life?'  At the college I hear that question a lot.  I can't tell you how many times I've had students in my office wrestling with God's will - careers, majors, relationships, the list goes on.  Truth is, if they're pleading with God, praying for God's will to be revealed and seeking others' wisdom, they probably already know God's will.

There's a popular notion that God's will is like a pinpoint on a roadmap of the future. There's only one place to live, one career to follow and one person to marry. If these aren't found we're doomed for second best. There's another idea that God's keeping His will a secret - playing a divine game of hide and seek or something.

While the Bible does give us some instances in which God says "Go here and do this" (Abraham, Moses or Cornelius), those are exceptions, not the rule. The Scriptures, in fact, point us to doing the will of God in the present.

Notice Paul's emphasis in Romans 12:1-2. Commit your entire being to God now, and then you will be able to have confidence about God's will. Are you struggling to understand God's will? Get as close to God as you can then do what you love. God has gifted each of us to contribute to His kingdom. Let your choices flow out of a deep relationship with God and flow toward the way God has designed you.

Think of a fenced-in playground. As we glorify God and follow Jesus, we are living out God's will - inside the fence.  Once inside, we are free to choose the seesaw, the swing or the slide. We are free to choose what we love to do and live out our God-given desires and dreams.

Seek God's kingdom, pursue Christ above all and your choices will reflect God's pleasing and perfect will."

Wendall Loewen

Blog Thoughts

I've been thinking about my blog and the fact that it's been a whole year since I started it. This is pretty exciting to me because well, a few reasons:

1. I followed through on something for an entire year!  WooHoo!

2. I've had some awesome spiritual growth in my life this year and I think it has a lot to do with writing down the things God had been teaching me. And sharing them in a public way.

3. I had a goal in mind of what I wanted my blog to be like and I feel like I've accomplished that for the most part.

I've definitely had some moments of "what the heck am I doing, my blog sucks!?" Just like anything in life you begin to compare yourself with others.  And since there's a ton of bloggers out there it's hard not to start thinking...

I'm not nearly that creative.
I have no right to post devotional writings when Francis Chan has a blog.
I can't take beautiful pictures or cook or craft like she does! 

I actually didn't read any blogs before I started my own and I think that was a good thing.  Otherwise I never would've started one.  With all the creativity out there, I totally would have talked myself out of it.

But, I soon came to terms that I didn't set out to start a photography blog, a cooking blog, or a crafting blog.  I wanted to start a blog about my life and how I attempt to live out a life of faith. I might throw in a mediocre picture, a recipe I liked, random stories, or a few posts to keep Grandma updated.  But, for the most part I just wanted to be honest about my short comings and how hard it is to figure out what Christ wants me to be.  But also how rewarding it is.

I think it's important for others to see that believers aren't perfect and many times do live up to the stereotypes that so often accompany Christianity.

I would tend to agree with someone who says Christians are judgmental, because I've felt the sting of judgment from other believers.

I would tend to agree with someone who says that Christians are hypocrites, because I know way too many believers who talk the talk.

I would tend to agree with someone who says that Christians have a "holier than thou" attitude, because "knowledge puffs up."

I agree with all these statements because, at the end of the day, Christians are people.  I can be judgmental, hypocritical, "holier than thou", mean, rude, arrogant, and angry all at the same time.

And that's the ultimate reason I started my blog.  I'm not a perfect Christian.  And I never will be. I wanted to share that with others and let them know that I'm a work in progress, as are all believers. So thanks for bearing with me as I embark on another year of screw ups, growth from screw ups and mediocre pictures.

Help Me Celebrate!

This week I'm celebrating my Blog Anniversary.  I've been a "blogger" for one year now.  A lot of people celebrate their anniversaries by doing a giveaway.  Well, I'm not that tech savvy, neither do I have the time or patience to figure out how to do it.  Although I probably should do it as a reward for those who actually take time to read my random thoughts. Do you feel like you need a reward after getting through one of my blog posts?  :)  Well, perhaps another day. 

So I decided to promote my friend Anna's fundraiser/giveaway instead. I've written a bit about her adoption in the past.  I am just amazed at her and others around me that are in the adoption process.  I feel blessed to be a part of their adoptions in any way I can.  Their desire to serve God in this way is just amazing to me.  Gives me the warm fuzzies.

Well if you haven't already read or heard about it, Anna and her family have decided to adopt a boy with Down Syndrome (pictured below). She continues to faithfully raise funds and I'm amazed at her persistence and dedication to get her boy home as soon as possible.

Click here to donate and sign up for the prizes she's giving away as a thank you for your support.  She's offering several different prizes so make sure to look at them all!  The grand prize is a Wii!  Scroll to the very end of her blog page to view the 5 different prize packages.

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This Week's Verse:

But as for me, I keep watch for the Lord. I wait in hope for God my Savior; my God will hear me.

Micah 7:7

Grab This!