I have been having a good discussion lately with Travis Stanley concerning race issues. You can get to his blog at www.travisstanley.net. He has some good things to say and I am learning to be more passionate, but at this point, I think I am learning to ask good questions. That is really what I want to gain right now from blogging. Asking good questions, thought provoking questions that cause me to think and wonder and search out my own heart.
I want to be more compassionate for the poor and I hope to gain that as well as more knowledge on what God wants from me.
Have a great day!
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Monday, September 12, 2005
Tollie and I are teaching a class on Sunday morning on Parenting. We only have a few people in our class. I was hoping for more in the class. Today was a good class. We talked about discipline and asked the members of the class to do some observing this next week and look for examples of what they think is good parenting and bad parenting. They are to be prepared next week to share what they observed.
We gave our examples today of bad parenting. Tollie had seen a woman at Mazzio's Pizza. She had the boy pinned down next to the building and slapped him across the face.
I had an example of a mother who tried to corral her 3 to 4 year old daughter and then out of the blue grab the child by the arm and start whooping her. Needless to say the child was surprised by the whooping and it was obvious the mother was either frustrated or angry or maybe even embarressed by the child's action and took out that feeling on the child.
We talked today about the fact that most, at least a lot of parents just go into parenting expecting to know how to parent without giving any thought or getting any instruction on how to parent. We looked at Hannah versus Eli on parenting in I Samuel. Hannah taught Samuel early on and when Eli had the boy and God called Samuel, he immediately obeyed the call. On the other hand, Eli scolded his sons and they were sinful and immoral. Eli waited too long to try to reign in his sons and it was too late.
Next week we will continue to talk about discipline and how that discipline involves training, instruction and molded the child.
We gave our examples today of bad parenting. Tollie had seen a woman at Mazzio's Pizza. She had the boy pinned down next to the building and slapped him across the face.
I had an example of a mother who tried to corral her 3 to 4 year old daughter and then out of the blue grab the child by the arm and start whooping her. Needless to say the child was surprised by the whooping and it was obvious the mother was either frustrated or angry or maybe even embarressed by the child's action and took out that feeling on the child.
We talked today about the fact that most, at least a lot of parents just go into parenting expecting to know how to parent without giving any thought or getting any instruction on how to parent. We looked at Hannah versus Eli on parenting in I Samuel. Hannah taught Samuel early on and when Eli had the boy and God called Samuel, he immediately obeyed the call. On the other hand, Eli scolded his sons and they were sinful and immoral. Eli waited too long to try to reign in his sons and it was too late.
Next week we will continue to talk about discipline and how that discipline involves training, instruction and molded the child.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
WHO DO WE BLAME?
That seems to be the question of the day. Who do we blame? Was the mayor of New Orleans at fault? What about the governor? And then why did the President not do something sooner? Everyone seems to be pointing fingers in all directions. The Republicans are really pointing fingers at the governor and mayor of New Orleans.
My belief, for what it is worth, is that the governor of Louisiana did not do her job. Of course, I am only hearing what happened and I was not there. So I can only make a judgement on what I hear. I have heard that the President had to call the governor and suggest to have the National Guard move in there. My understanding is that the President cannot go into the boundaries of the state and make decisions. It is up to the state to ask the President for this help. That makes sense to me. So why didn't the governor call sooner and ask for help? Did she expect the government to come in after declaring the disaster before the storm? Did she just not know the procedure? As governor, why didn't she know and understand the procedure?
When I hear the governor talk on TV, she does not seem to have much presence about her. She is not an eloquent speaker. She seems to be in a cloud, which would be understandable. But it also seems to confirm that she did not take the leadership necessary. When you compare all the other areas hit by the same storm, it seems others fared better with the help. There are complaints all over and that is usual. The governor of Mississippi seemed to have the presence to take charge and got results.
I have heard it compared to 9-11 and that Mayor Guillani took charge and things got done quickly. I would suspect that any governor who takes charge and makes things happen, makes decisions, would help in a crisis. When a crisis happens, you need someone to take charge and be the leader. Someone who can coordinate all the different entities. Some say that putting FEMA under the homeland security was a mistake. I hope they re-do this decision if that is the case.
My main concern in discussing all this is that I want to know where the breakdown of communication occurred. Why? ~~ So that it can be fixed. I live on the gulf coast of Texas. But for the grace of God, we could have been hit by Katrina and we are likely to be hit by another hurricane in the future. And, more importantly, with the state of the current world, a terrorist attack could occur anywhere, at anytime. When something happens, will the crisis cause this much mis-communication? Could we be faced with an even greater disaster? How will the government respond? How will the local authorities respond?
This is my concern. We have a mentality in the US that we are the chosen country. We are immune to disasters and when something like Katrina hits, it wakes us up to the fact that we are not immune. But how we respond to these disasters say a lot about who we are as a people.
My biggest response to Katrina's disaster is how Louisiana is ready to party but not ready for a crisis. How can a state with so many Casinos bringing in so many dollars still be one of the poorest states in the nation? Where is all the gambling money going? Whose pockets are being stuffed with dough? If a city, such as New Orleans is so poor, how did it continue to function? How can we, as a people, justifiably build New Orleans back in the same manner? It should be re-thought and re-built in a manner that would not jeopordize people's lives. The devastation is just incredible.
All of our lives are changed by Katrina. We will not see our world in the same light as before. We are all affected by this storm.
__________________________
Just an update: I still don't have anyone in my home for shelter. I have tried to find a small family, but have not gone out myself. I have made a call and left my number but no takers to date. We are trying to do what we can, but mainly praying is all we are able to do. I am concerned now that I cannot take anyone in for two reasons. Tollie leaves town every month for his work and I don't want to be here by myself with strangers in my home and secondly, we are not sure of the time frame for their staying. We have other things happening in the coming months and I would not want to have to ask someone to leave for those things. I just pray everyday for all those misplaced by Katrina.
My belief, for what it is worth, is that the governor of Louisiana did not do her job. Of course, I am only hearing what happened and I was not there. So I can only make a judgement on what I hear. I have heard that the President had to call the governor and suggest to have the National Guard move in there. My understanding is that the President cannot go into the boundaries of the state and make decisions. It is up to the state to ask the President for this help. That makes sense to me. So why didn't the governor call sooner and ask for help? Did she expect the government to come in after declaring the disaster before the storm? Did she just not know the procedure? As governor, why didn't she know and understand the procedure?
When I hear the governor talk on TV, she does not seem to have much presence about her. She is not an eloquent speaker. She seems to be in a cloud, which would be understandable. But it also seems to confirm that she did not take the leadership necessary. When you compare all the other areas hit by the same storm, it seems others fared better with the help. There are complaints all over and that is usual. The governor of Mississippi seemed to have the presence to take charge and got results.
I have heard it compared to 9-11 and that Mayor Guillani took charge and things got done quickly. I would suspect that any governor who takes charge and makes things happen, makes decisions, would help in a crisis. When a crisis happens, you need someone to take charge and be the leader. Someone who can coordinate all the different entities. Some say that putting FEMA under the homeland security was a mistake. I hope they re-do this decision if that is the case.
My main concern in discussing all this is that I want to know where the breakdown of communication occurred. Why? ~~ So that it can be fixed. I live on the gulf coast of Texas. But for the grace of God, we could have been hit by Katrina and we are likely to be hit by another hurricane in the future. And, more importantly, with the state of the current world, a terrorist attack could occur anywhere, at anytime. When something happens, will the crisis cause this much mis-communication? Could we be faced with an even greater disaster? How will the government respond? How will the local authorities respond?
This is my concern. We have a mentality in the US that we are the chosen country. We are immune to disasters and when something like Katrina hits, it wakes us up to the fact that we are not immune. But how we respond to these disasters say a lot about who we are as a people.
My biggest response to Katrina's disaster is how Louisiana is ready to party but not ready for a crisis. How can a state with so many Casinos bringing in so many dollars still be one of the poorest states in the nation? Where is all the gambling money going? Whose pockets are being stuffed with dough? If a city, such as New Orleans is so poor, how did it continue to function? How can we, as a people, justifiably build New Orleans back in the same manner? It should be re-thought and re-built in a manner that would not jeopordize people's lives. The devastation is just incredible.
All of our lives are changed by Katrina. We will not see our world in the same light as before. We are all affected by this storm.
__________________________
Just an update: I still don't have anyone in my home for shelter. I have tried to find a small family, but have not gone out myself. I have made a call and left my number but no takers to date. We are trying to do what we can, but mainly praying is all we are able to do. I am concerned now that I cannot take anyone in for two reasons. Tollie leaves town every month for his work and I don't want to be here by myself with strangers in my home and secondly, we are not sure of the time frame for their staying. We have other things happening in the coming months and I would not want to have to ask someone to leave for those things. I just pray everyday for all those misplaced by Katrina.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
WHAT IS IN A NAME?
I grew up thinking that if a person was not part of a church of Christ, he/she was not a true Christian. I believe my parents still have some remnant of this belief. However, for me I have come to believe we were wrong in that assumption because.......
Would believing that make the church the point of salvation, not Christ?
Would believing that cause us to put ourselves on a pedestal and believe we had arrived?
Would believing that take my focus off Jesus and point that focus on myself?
Yes, I believe the answer to each of these questions would be yes!!!!!
I was looking at a web page of a church. In my looking, I realized I was looking to see "what kind of church" they were. Is that a valid question? It hit me that if they were focusing on Jesus and him crucified, then what did it matter what flavor they were? They may do things differently than I do. They may have a different structure to their organization than I do, but in the end if they are looking to Jesus for salvation and reaching for answers from God, then who am I to determine they are not correct? Who gave me the authority to do that?
I don't know where they hail from. They just call themselves The People's Church. We call ourselves Christ Covenant Church. I think we are trying to say that we are generic. We don't have specific traditions to cause us to act a certain way. We are just trying to follow Jesus. In following Jesus, we are trying to point others to him as the only way to true happiness.
I pray we are doing a good job of that. I pray that my giving up my own traditions for Jesus is what it is all about. Does it really matter how we do things, as long as, first of all we do them and secondly we point to Jesus in all we do?. Are the issues really that important?
In light of the events in the last few days, I would gesture to say we focus on to many human aspects of this life and toss the spiritual. I pray I focus more on the spiritual today and put aside my human tendencies.
Would believing that make the church the point of salvation, not Christ?
Would believing that cause us to put ourselves on a pedestal and believe we had arrived?
Would believing that take my focus off Jesus and point that focus on myself?
Yes, I believe the answer to each of these questions would be yes!!!!!
I was looking at a web page of a church. In my looking, I realized I was looking to see "what kind of church" they were. Is that a valid question? It hit me that if they were focusing on Jesus and him crucified, then what did it matter what flavor they were? They may do things differently than I do. They may have a different structure to their organization than I do, but in the end if they are looking to Jesus for salvation and reaching for answers from God, then who am I to determine they are not correct? Who gave me the authority to do that?
I don't know where they hail from. They just call themselves The People's Church. We call ourselves Christ Covenant Church. I think we are trying to say that we are generic. We don't have specific traditions to cause us to act a certain way. We are just trying to follow Jesus. In following Jesus, we are trying to point others to him as the only way to true happiness.
I pray we are doing a good job of that. I pray that my giving up my own traditions for Jesus is what it is all about. Does it really matter how we do things, as long as, first of all we do them and secondly we point to Jesus in all we do?. Are the issues really that important?
In light of the events in the last few days, I would gesture to say we focus on to many human aspects of this life and toss the spiritual. I pray I focus more on the spiritual today and put aside my human tendencies.
Monday, September 05, 2005
Great Labor Day Weekend!
I started Friday by baking cakes. I made four cakes to take to the building on Saturday. 60 cakes were to be delivered on Saturday and 60 on Sunday for a shelter housed in Lumberton. It will feed about 200 people. This is our part of helping in the disaster. Of course, we have thousands in our city and this is a small part of helping out.
I keep thinking God will send someone to stay with us, but as yet, all my efforts to house someone has not met results. I keep praying about it, and will continue to do so.
I keep thinking about my sister and brother-in-law. Tommy preached yesterday to a congregation suffering from great loss. Losing four members in a church is hard. These were four of their core senior members. They will be suffering for a while.
On Saturday, we ran errands and I cooked for my family. Mindy came in Saturday evening and the little g-kids stayed the night with us. We had lunch here on Sunday and had a birthday party for Ashton on Sunday evening. Ashton's birthday is not until the 13th of this month but because Mindy could come this weekend, we decided to have her birthday. On the 13th, Ashton will be five years old. Where did the time go? She had a great time, getting a new bike, new clothes and a new Bible!
This morning, Mindy has already left for Austin. She has to work this afternoon and so had to be on the road early. We had breakfast and then she left. I am taking the time now to do my reading and blogging, before Tollie gets on the computer and works on his schooling. He has some things he needs to do this morning. Then my plan for the day is to relax and work on my projects to get them done. I am getting close.
Labor Day was always a fun day for me growing up, but I could never understand why taking the day off for Labor!?! It didn't make sense to me. It is always refreshing to have a day of rest from our labors and I appreciate God giving up Sunday. We use to have a group that would cook out together before we went to do our hospital ministry, but these days we are scattered and don't seem to have "time" for that sort of gathering any more.
Tollie and I started our parenting class yesterday. I was a little disappointed that we only had a couple of people there, but it was Labor Day weekend. I hope this is not indicative of the next few weeks. It will be a long 13 week series! We began by telling our "story" and asking each of them to do the same. In other words to tell the type of family they grew up in, how many years married, how many children, etc. Mindy came into our class and it was fun to hear her tell of her expectations for marriage and children and her rebellious teen years! We all had a good laugh.
We plan to cover many aspects of the family including marriage, child raising during the pre-birth on up to grown children. I pray God will use us to reach those who want to know what the Bible says concerning all this and also the experiences of others in these areas. I think it will be a fun class.
Have a great week and a laborless labor day!
I keep thinking God will send someone to stay with us, but as yet, all my efforts to house someone has not met results. I keep praying about it, and will continue to do so.
I keep thinking about my sister and brother-in-law. Tommy preached yesterday to a congregation suffering from great loss. Losing four members in a church is hard. These were four of their core senior members. They will be suffering for a while.
On Saturday, we ran errands and I cooked for my family. Mindy came in Saturday evening and the little g-kids stayed the night with us. We had lunch here on Sunday and had a birthday party for Ashton on Sunday evening. Ashton's birthday is not until the 13th of this month but because Mindy could come this weekend, we decided to have her birthday. On the 13th, Ashton will be five years old. Where did the time go? She had a great time, getting a new bike, new clothes and a new Bible!
This morning, Mindy has already left for Austin. She has to work this afternoon and so had to be on the road early. We had breakfast and then she left. I am taking the time now to do my reading and blogging, before Tollie gets on the computer and works on his schooling. He has some things he needs to do this morning. Then my plan for the day is to relax and work on my projects to get them done. I am getting close.
Labor Day was always a fun day for me growing up, but I could never understand why taking the day off for Labor!?! It didn't make sense to me. It is always refreshing to have a day of rest from our labors and I appreciate God giving up Sunday. We use to have a group that would cook out together before we went to do our hospital ministry, but these days we are scattered and don't seem to have "time" for that sort of gathering any more.
Tollie and I started our parenting class yesterday. I was a little disappointed that we only had a couple of people there, but it was Labor Day weekend. I hope this is not indicative of the next few weeks. It will be a long 13 week series! We began by telling our "story" and asking each of them to do the same. In other words to tell the type of family they grew up in, how many years married, how many children, etc. Mindy came into our class and it was fun to hear her tell of her expectations for marriage and children and her rebellious teen years! We all had a good laugh.
We plan to cover many aspects of the family including marriage, child raising during the pre-birth on up to grown children. I pray God will use us to reach those who want to know what the Bible says concerning all this and also the experiences of others in these areas. I think it will be a fun class.
Have a great week and a laborless labor day!
Friday, September 02, 2005
LIFE CHANGES ON A DIME
I titled yesterday's post as Life is Changing. Boy is it ever!
Please pray for New York Avenue Church of Christ in Arlington, Texas. My brother-in-law is the minister there and my sister is the church secretary. Yesterday, three couples of their senior "Road Runners" group were traveling on a fun trip and had an accident in Crockett. One couple, Don and Bettie Davies died, Pat Parker died and her husband, Bill is in critical condition as he was airlifted to Tyler, Jack Chance died and his wife Dianne Chance was in the hospital but may have been released with minor injuries!
My sister said that Tommy had his sermon all planned out for Sunday. "Don't sweat the small stuff." Here are two crises, the hurricane and now the accident, As a church we need to stop worrying if we are clapping or raising hands. We just need to worship and worry about the world about us.
My heart bleeds for this family of God and for the families in crisis in New Orleans and all over the Gulf Coast. Many who are here in Beaumont are saying they are not going back to New Orleans. They have nothing to go back to and will start their lives over here or in a new place. Sometimes, I think it might be nice to start over without any baggage! Thank you God for the chances you give us to always start fresh with you and our lives.
Please pray for New York Avenue Church of Christ in Arlington, Texas. My brother-in-law is the minister there and my sister is the church secretary. Yesterday, three couples of their senior "Road Runners" group were traveling on a fun trip and had an accident in Crockett. One couple, Don and Bettie Davies died, Pat Parker died and her husband, Bill is in critical condition as he was airlifted to Tyler, Jack Chance died and his wife Dianne Chance was in the hospital but may have been released with minor injuries!
My sister said that Tommy had his sermon all planned out for Sunday. "Don't sweat the small stuff." Here are two crises, the hurricane and now the accident, As a church we need to stop worrying if we are clapping or raising hands. We just need to worship and worry about the world about us.
My heart bleeds for this family of God and for the families in crisis in New Orleans and all over the Gulf Coast. Many who are here in Beaumont are saying they are not going back to New Orleans. They have nothing to go back to and will start their lives over here or in a new place. Sometimes, I think it might be nice to start over without any baggage! Thank you God for the chances you give us to always start fresh with you and our lives.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
LIFE IS CHANGING!
Life, as we know it, is changing all around. I see the devastation in the coastal region and I can’t fathom what is happening there. There seems to be no order. There seems to be no one in charge! No one that really knows what is going on! That is rare in our United States. But people are hurting and needing and when those hurts and needs are not met, people do strange and sometimes unthinkable things.
I can’t imagine shooting at a helicopter trying to rescue someone! That is unthinkable. But it happened. I can’t imagine taking things that don’t belong to me! But it is happening. I can’t imagine being so selfish as to walk past another’s need! But it is happening. I can’t imagine being so needful that I resort to these things. But it happens. Just because I have not ever had it happen to me, does not mean it does not happen nor that it could not happen to me at some time.
I remember the movie Trading Places and the bet the brothers made that if someone was rejected by friends and family and lost everything, they would turn to violence. It happened! We are base people and without Christ, we are hopeless. We lose everything and have no hope and we see these vile happenings.
I can sit in my clean, cool and comfortable home and watch on TV or type in my computer and sit in judgment on the people I am watching do these unthinkable things and say I would not do them. But in reality, I am not so sure that if I were in the same situation I would resort to whatever to meet my immediate needs! Especially, if I did not have the hope of Christ.
So I am trying real hard not to judge these people and realize that Christ is the missing link in their lives. Christ is the healer and need meter of all. Until I take Christ to these people, there will be these vile happenings.
UPDATE on CHARITY
I have not had anyone come into my home to date, to house during this crisis. I went to get my gift cards yesterday and took them to the church office. In talking with one of the ministers there, she had gone to the Ford Arena and they are not needing anything at this time. I told her and the others that I had thought about going out there and asking if there was a need for a young family to be housed and all I could think of was 1500 people all rushing to me to volunteer to come to my house!
The headlines would read: Another victim of Katrina ~ Woman crushed by mass!
She is going to a shelter in Lumberton and if she sees a need she will recommend them to come to my home. I told her I can remember when my youngest daughter was a baby and she was sensitive to loud noises and did not do well in crowds. I can imagine a young family with small children in similar circumstances and I would be happy to help them.
Also, the preacher’s wife has family-in-law that are currently housing 14 people from New Orleans and they know of other families coming in the next week to the area. They may take up our offer. So as of right now, I have no guests in my home. But the offer still stands and I am opening up myself to God’s leading as to who comes to my home.
___________________
On another note, I am asking prayers for my sister and brother-in-law. They are making life changing decisions in the next few weeks and it will alter their lifestyle and livelihood. Please pray for them.
I can’t imagine shooting at a helicopter trying to rescue someone! That is unthinkable. But it happened. I can’t imagine taking things that don’t belong to me! But it is happening. I can’t imagine being so selfish as to walk past another’s need! But it is happening. I can’t imagine being so needful that I resort to these things. But it happens. Just because I have not ever had it happen to me, does not mean it does not happen nor that it could not happen to me at some time.
I remember the movie Trading Places and the bet the brothers made that if someone was rejected by friends and family and lost everything, they would turn to violence. It happened! We are base people and without Christ, we are hopeless. We lose everything and have no hope and we see these vile happenings.
I can sit in my clean, cool and comfortable home and watch on TV or type in my computer and sit in judgment on the people I am watching do these unthinkable things and say I would not do them. But in reality, I am not so sure that if I were in the same situation I would resort to whatever to meet my immediate needs! Especially, if I did not have the hope of Christ.
So I am trying real hard not to judge these people and realize that Christ is the missing link in their lives. Christ is the healer and need meter of all. Until I take Christ to these people, there will be these vile happenings.
UPDATE on CHARITY
I have not had anyone come into my home to date, to house during this crisis. I went to get my gift cards yesterday and took them to the church office. In talking with one of the ministers there, she had gone to the Ford Arena and they are not needing anything at this time. I told her and the others that I had thought about going out there and asking if there was a need for a young family to be housed and all I could think of was 1500 people all rushing to me to volunteer to come to my house!
The headlines would read: Another victim of Katrina ~ Woman crushed by mass!
She is going to a shelter in Lumberton and if she sees a need she will recommend them to come to my home. I told her I can remember when my youngest daughter was a baby and she was sensitive to loud noises and did not do well in crowds. I can imagine a young family with small children in similar circumstances and I would be happy to help them.
Also, the preacher’s wife has family-in-law that are currently housing 14 people from New Orleans and they know of other families coming in the next week to the area. They may take up our offer. So as of right now, I have no guests in my home. But the offer still stands and I am opening up myself to God’s leading as to who comes to my home.
___________________
On another note, I am asking prayers for my sister and brother-in-law. They are making life changing decisions in the next few weeks and it will alter their lifestyle and livelihood. Please pray for them.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
GOD, I NEED YOUR HELP!
As we watch the coverage of the aftermath, we feel helpless. Yet, Tollie and I both had the same feeling last night. We want to do something. Of course, our first thoughts were we have this large house with extra beds and room for people. So, we both, almost at the same time, said we want to go get someone to stay with us, that needs housing.
But I need help in doing this. This will certainly be out of my comfort zone. Yet, if I want a B & B, someday, this would be like that! So.....how can I not try. Yet, a B & B could be a one night thing, where this may be a month-long thing! That is a huge difference! But I do feel compelled to do something.
I am going this morning to get some gift cards. We are collecting those at church to hand out and help the victims in some way. I will go to Ford Arena or call and find out what is the best way to help! I know they need money right now and that is certainly a possibility. But I will see what else I can do and I am praying this morning that God sends someone to us to bring home to our house!
This could be a turning point in our lives to go from wanting to be a different church, to being a different church!
But I need help in doing this. This will certainly be out of my comfort zone. Yet, if I want a B & B, someday, this would be like that! So.....how can I not try. Yet, a B & B could be a one night thing, where this may be a month-long thing! That is a huge difference! But I do feel compelled to do something.
I am going this morning to get some gift cards. We are collecting those at church to hand out and help the victims in some way. I will go to Ford Arena or call and find out what is the best way to help! I know they need money right now and that is certainly a possibility. But I will see what else I can do and I am praying this morning that God sends someone to us to bring home to our house!
This could be a turning point in our lives to go from wanting to be a different church, to being a different church!
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
PEACE!
In reading my list of blogs this morning, I read where Kip McKean is bringing back the "lost" from the ICOC and wanting to determine who is in or out! This brings back so many memories and not good ones at that.
Why do people feel compelled to judge the hearts of men? I know we all do at times but this is a constant in this man's life. Satan has a strong hold on this man and I pray for his freedom in Christ.
I am still praying for those in the Gulf Coast states who are hurting and not home and don't even know if they have a home to go to. It must be devastating! I am so thankful we were spared. We got a strong, short lived wind and rain storm through here yesterday in late afternoon that was nothing compared to what these people went through. This was just an outer band of storms that came through, but it was enough for me. Knocked over some plants and my front yard looks like beavers have been in my tree cutting the tips off!
So I am very thankful we didn't have a visit from Katrina and hopefully we will not see any of her family of hurricanes this season!
Why do people feel compelled to judge the hearts of men? I know we all do at times but this is a constant in this man's life. Satan has a strong hold on this man and I pray for his freedom in Christ.
I am still praying for those in the Gulf Coast states who are hurting and not home and don't even know if they have a home to go to. It must be devastating! I am so thankful we were spared. We got a strong, short lived wind and rain storm through here yesterday in late afternoon that was nothing compared to what these people went through. This was just an outer band of storms that came through, but it was enough for me. Knocked over some plants and my front yard looks like beavers have been in my tree cutting the tips off!
So I am very thankful we didn't have a visit from Katrina and hopefully we will not see any of her family of hurricanes this season!
Monday, August 29, 2005
KATRINA!
We are breathing a sigh of relief as we watch Katrina going into Louisiana. She could have made her way further west but went north instead. We are happy. Not happy that others are suffering but happy she did not come our way.
I thought it strange this morning when I heard a senator from Louisiana say they were praying for the storm to go east of New Orleans! I am sure there were others praying as well, those east praying it would go west or east! Poor God! I know he must hear all these prayers coming from all directions and then has to decide to disappoint someone! Is this really how it works? I have so many questions concerning prayer and how it works and I can't wait to get to heaven and ask them! (Although probably by then, it won't matter to me)
What do you think about prayer? I know prayer works, I'm just not sure how it works nor am I sure I always ask the right questions in my prayers. I know God has a plan and does he really change those plans by hearing prayers? If that be the case, what causes him to change his mind and does he then become a respector of persons and then does it depend on our "goodness" or "badness" as to who he listens to? Or is it that it is so out of our realm of thinking that none of this is what happens at all and that what really does happen can't be explained in human terms? See, I have many questions.
Don't get me wrong, I do pray. I pray every night before I go to sleep and I try to pray often. I am sure I pray when things are tough and I need to have comfort. I try to remember to always pray for thanksgiving. But I am not sure I pray often and at the right times and especially I believe that I don't pray the right kind of prayer! I am working and studying on my praying to see if I can understand it more and more.
If you have ideas of how prayer works and how it affects us, please share them with me.
I thought it strange this morning when I heard a senator from Louisiana say they were praying for the storm to go east of New Orleans! I am sure there were others praying as well, those east praying it would go west or east! Poor God! I know he must hear all these prayers coming from all directions and then has to decide to disappoint someone! Is this really how it works? I have so many questions concerning prayer and how it works and I can't wait to get to heaven and ask them! (Although probably by then, it won't matter to me)
What do you think about prayer? I know prayer works, I'm just not sure how it works nor am I sure I always ask the right questions in my prayers. I know God has a plan and does he really change those plans by hearing prayers? If that be the case, what causes him to change his mind and does he then become a respector of persons and then does it depend on our "goodness" or "badness" as to who he listens to? Or is it that it is so out of our realm of thinking that none of this is what happens at all and that what really does happen can't be explained in human terms? See, I have many questions.
Don't get me wrong, I do pray. I pray every night before I go to sleep and I try to pray often. I am sure I pray when things are tough and I need to have comfort. I try to remember to always pray for thanksgiving. But I am not sure I pray often and at the right times and especially I believe that I don't pray the right kind of prayer! I am working and studying on my praying to see if I can understand it more and more.
If you have ideas of how prayer works and how it affects us, please share them with me.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
PERSPECTIVES!
It is interesting to me that no matter what you say, it depends on the other person's perspective as to how it can be taken. I know not everything matters in this regard, but in important things it does.
I have been dialoguing with my youngest concerning the relationship of her and her boyfriend. I will say something and depending on her perspective, she has to ask questions to make sure what I am saying. I know I assume too much sometimes and that causes a different perspective.
My point in saying this is how many times have I read the Word with a certain viewpoint or perspective in mind and taken it entirely out of context? It scares me to think that I can read the Word and not fully understand what is being said or how it is said because of the blinders I have on my eyes, in my heart and in my head.
I realize when we don't listen well and already have answers blocking the listening, then damage can occur. We become faulty in our decisions and can even be faulty in our convictions because of assumptions and differing perceptions.
We were asked in class once if the Word was truth? Of course! Also, if there was only one interpretation? I said a definite no and nearly every one else said yes. But we all interpret according to our own assumptions and perspectives. So how can we say there is one interpretation. There may well be one supposed interpretation but I find it hard to believe that there is only one and that when a certain passage is read it is interpreted the same by every reader. If that is the case, then why are there so many issues on the table and so many churches?
I have been dialoguing with my youngest concerning the relationship of her and her boyfriend. I will say something and depending on her perspective, she has to ask questions to make sure what I am saying. I know I assume too much sometimes and that causes a different perspective.
My point in saying this is how many times have I read the Word with a certain viewpoint or perspective in mind and taken it entirely out of context? It scares me to think that I can read the Word and not fully understand what is being said or how it is said because of the blinders I have on my eyes, in my heart and in my head.
I realize when we don't listen well and already have answers blocking the listening, then damage can occur. We become faulty in our decisions and can even be faulty in our convictions because of assumptions and differing perceptions.
We were asked in class once if the Word was truth? Of course! Also, if there was only one interpretation? I said a definite no and nearly every one else said yes. But we all interpret according to our own assumptions and perspectives. So how can we say there is one interpretation. There may well be one supposed interpretation but I find it hard to believe that there is only one and that when a certain passage is read it is interpreted the same by every reader. If that is the case, then why are there so many issues on the table and so many churches?
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
GOTTA RUN! LIFE IS GOOD!
I talked with my youngest last night after her visit to her boyfriend's. She was in Missouri for about 9 days! Wow! She sounded good. They had a good week with a few hitches, like a funeral! But that is everyday life and I am sorry they had that but fortunately for her it was not someone she knew. I know she is anxious to get her last semester of school over with. That is what is motivating her right now. I pray for her consistency and stamina as she completes this and makes enough money to sustain her while in her internship. She can do this. I am praying for God's hand to get her through to next May!
I will get Tollie to blog yet. John Alan Turner has a blog that has been addressing some issues we are dealing with right now. He has talked about not tinkering with what God has put in place and to stop praying for vision! Wow, that really hit me. But his point is that God already has a vision for the church. We need to be praying for strategy and working that strategy. It is indeed what our sheperds are doing this weekend. They had planned to get a vision for Christ Covenant, but now I think it will be a planning session to put into place a strategy for Christ Covenant. They need our prayers this weekend and I hope things go well for them.
I love my friends! Friends are the basis for my everyday walk while filling needs. Thank you God for friends. And speaking of friends, I have talked to my bestest friend this morning and then later I am going to have lunch with another best friend. So could life get much better? Don't think so. I will see my grandchildren and kids tonight and talked with my other kid last night. Life is good.
Gotta run!
I will get Tollie to blog yet. John Alan Turner has a blog that has been addressing some issues we are dealing with right now. He has talked about not tinkering with what God has put in place and to stop praying for vision! Wow, that really hit me. But his point is that God already has a vision for the church. We need to be praying for strategy and working that strategy. It is indeed what our sheperds are doing this weekend. They had planned to get a vision for Christ Covenant, but now I think it will be a planning session to put into place a strategy for Christ Covenant. They need our prayers this weekend and I hope things go well for them.
I love my friends! Friends are the basis for my everyday walk while filling needs. Thank you God for friends. And speaking of friends, I have talked to my bestest friend this morning and then later I am going to have lunch with another best friend. So could life get much better? Don't think so. I will see my grandchildren and kids tonight and talked with my other kid last night. Life is good.
Gotta run!
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Crafty Satan
I am currently reading a book to help me discover where my down spots are that hinder me from losing weight. According to the book, there is a line where we are above the line and happy. Coming down below the line causes us pain and unhappiness and that is when we go to external solutions, such as binging, drinking, really excess habit.
My biggest problem is finding when I am below the line. I think sometimes I am so caught up in my daily that I don't realize that I am below the line and it is really a long later that I see I was below the line.
Satan is crafty and fills my day with ho hum duties and discolors the truth so that I don't even realize what is happening.
Last night was an epiphany. I was laying there and realized that earlier in the day I had made a discovery quite by accident and it distressed me. I knew it distressed me but it was not until I was in bed, reading the book that I realized I had succumbed again to eating to mask over the distress I was feeling. Quite by quiet action I was hooked into an external solution without even consciously doing it. That is a scary thought. Doing something you don't intend to do.
Wow! I know how much I need to be conscious about what I do and why I do it.
At least I was eating Snack Well cookies so maybe they don't count as much as donuts?
I am praying for success in the actions that I hope to come about by acknowledging when I am below the line of happiness and using these external solutions to pacify my needs.
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Blogging Gives Information
I have been reading the last few days the blogs that I read consistently. The buzz right now is the fact that Ann Coulter has been invited to speak at Harding in the spring.
At first, I didn't even know who Ann Coulter was, then I realized I had seen her and just heard the other day she was the one who wants to run against Hillary Clinton. To say that I am not political, would be apparent. To say that I don't read the paper is apparent also.
I realize today how "in my own little world" I am. I don't seem to have enough time in the day for my own little world much less what is going on around me.
Blogs have opened up that world to me. By reading blogs I can get a glimpse of what is going on around me and learn about the world around me. I have never been much of a political person. I do vote, don't get me wrong, but sometimes I wonder if my vote makes a difference when I don't even know who or what I am voting for! This can be a danger. I try to become informed but I realize so much of what I read and hear is tainted by that person/news political stance! So am I really getting the whole story by not researching out what I need to know.
But then I have never been very good at researching out anything. I like to take the easy road and get what is already researched! This is something in me I am finding that I don't like a lot. But I know I can change this, if I really desire to. So.....I may start watching more news TV instead of the old movies. I probably need to do more reading on the internet for the news articles and become an informed citizen. I'm just not sure I have enough time in the day, but if others can then I should be able to do this.
I know from own little world, there are enough problems without taking on more! So.....we will see how this comes about and whether I still like living in my own little world and I may close the blinds and watch Humphrey Bogart!
At first, I didn't even know who Ann Coulter was, then I realized I had seen her and just heard the other day she was the one who wants to run against Hillary Clinton. To say that I am not political, would be apparent. To say that I don't read the paper is apparent also.
I realize today how "in my own little world" I am. I don't seem to have enough time in the day for my own little world much less what is going on around me.
Blogs have opened up that world to me. By reading blogs I can get a glimpse of what is going on around me and learn about the world around me. I have never been much of a political person. I do vote, don't get me wrong, but sometimes I wonder if my vote makes a difference when I don't even know who or what I am voting for! This can be a danger. I try to become informed but I realize so much of what I read and hear is tainted by that person/news political stance! So am I really getting the whole story by not researching out what I need to know.
But then I have never been very good at researching out anything. I like to take the easy road and get what is already researched! This is something in me I am finding that I don't like a lot. But I know I can change this, if I really desire to. So.....I may start watching more news TV instead of the old movies. I probably need to do more reading on the internet for the news articles and become an informed citizen. I'm just not sure I have enough time in the day, but if others can then I should be able to do this.
I know from own little world, there are enough problems without taking on more! So.....we will see how this comes about and whether I still like living in my own little world and I may close the blinds and watch Humphrey Bogart!
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
THUNDER!
There is thunder and lightening in his lips, Our God is an awesome God.
I just heard thunder outside and it reminded of this song.
I know I had asked my readers where and what they were doing five years ago. I will answer my own question, especially since it seems no one else reads my blog. But that is okay. I blog for me!
Five years ago, I was still reeling from a hard break in our church family! That seems such a long time ago and yet when I let myself think back, it still hurts. So, I try to look forward and not think back to those times.
I do have to say that though that is a hurtful time, it was also a very growing and maturing time! To say that I have changed is an understatement. Tollie and I were talking the other day and realized how much we have changed, especially spiritually. We are free in Christ! We don't worry so much any more. We don't feel like we have to walk on egg shells any more. We just enjoy worshipping God in everything we do and not just on Sundays!
I don't ever want to degrade or downplay our years at Westgate. They are precious years and precious memories and precious people! I love so many of them and miss them very much. Fortunately, we still have some of those people still in our lives! I would not want to go back though. I would feel stiffled and pushed down, like someone had their thumb on my head, pressing ever so hard to get me down! Does that make sense?
I can remember most that the last few years at Westgate were a struggle to keep my sanity. People were saying things about my mate that were unfounded, untrue and totally out of character for him. If they knew and loved him, they would know that. And in all that time, I kept thinking, can I make a mistake? Can we at least try other things to see if it works? Do we have to keep doing the same ole things and not growing? Why do we keep banging our heads against the perverbial wall?
At least now I know that if I have an idea, it will be listened to. Not that all my ideas will be done or tried and that is okay, but that I will be heard. That makes so much of a difference. And I know that people will take the truth and hold it high!
There are some things I want to change. I want to be more community minded. Yet, I am the one who did not sign up to do the Some Other Place Tasting. Why, I am not sure. But I find it hard to make those changes. Yet in five years, I have made milestone changes. When Tollie and I went to church with Mindy, it was a new experience for us. Something that five years ago would have been so hard for me to do. But I actually enjoyed the experience and want to learn from that experience.
Five years ago, I was in Beaumont, longing to know my grandbaby who was to be born in the next month! They were in Lubbock and we were 12 hours south in Southeast Texas! How in the world was I to be a grandmother 12 hours away? I prayed for three years for God to put us closer to my children! Never in a million years would I have guessed that my children would move to Beaumont! Thank you God for the experience to see my grandchildren anytime, and have them with me. To allow them to spend the night, see new and exciting things together, like movies, circuses and carosels.
Five years can bring a lot of changes and it has been that in my life. My children now live close, I have changed careers, going from doing medical transcription to managing a parts department to semi retirement. Now I work two days a week, doing fun jobs for an executive. I do genealogy work, publishing and printing calendars for the family and making menus for the family. I never know what project will come up next, but I find most of them fun.
I pray that your five years have found new growth and excitement in your life.
I just heard thunder outside and it reminded of this song.
I know I had asked my readers where and what they were doing five years ago. I will answer my own question, especially since it seems no one else reads my blog. But that is okay. I blog for me!
Five years ago, I was still reeling from a hard break in our church family! That seems such a long time ago and yet when I let myself think back, it still hurts. So, I try to look forward and not think back to those times.
I do have to say that though that is a hurtful time, it was also a very growing and maturing time! To say that I have changed is an understatement. Tollie and I were talking the other day and realized how much we have changed, especially spiritually. We are free in Christ! We don't worry so much any more. We don't feel like we have to walk on egg shells any more. We just enjoy worshipping God in everything we do and not just on Sundays!
I don't ever want to degrade or downplay our years at Westgate. They are precious years and precious memories and precious people! I love so many of them and miss them very much. Fortunately, we still have some of those people still in our lives! I would not want to go back though. I would feel stiffled and pushed down, like someone had their thumb on my head, pressing ever so hard to get me down! Does that make sense?
I can remember most that the last few years at Westgate were a struggle to keep my sanity. People were saying things about my mate that were unfounded, untrue and totally out of character for him. If they knew and loved him, they would know that. And in all that time, I kept thinking, can I make a mistake? Can we at least try other things to see if it works? Do we have to keep doing the same ole things and not growing? Why do we keep banging our heads against the perverbial wall?
At least now I know that if I have an idea, it will be listened to. Not that all my ideas will be done or tried and that is okay, but that I will be heard. That makes so much of a difference. And I know that people will take the truth and hold it high!
There are some things I want to change. I want to be more community minded. Yet, I am the one who did not sign up to do the Some Other Place Tasting. Why, I am not sure. But I find it hard to make those changes. Yet in five years, I have made milestone changes. When Tollie and I went to church with Mindy, it was a new experience for us. Something that five years ago would have been so hard for me to do. But I actually enjoyed the experience and want to learn from that experience.
Five years ago, I was in Beaumont, longing to know my grandbaby who was to be born in the next month! They were in Lubbock and we were 12 hours south in Southeast Texas! How in the world was I to be a grandmother 12 hours away? I prayed for three years for God to put us closer to my children! Never in a million years would I have guessed that my children would move to Beaumont! Thank you God for the experience to see my grandchildren anytime, and have them with me. To allow them to spend the night, see new and exciting things together, like movies, circuses and carosels.
Five years can bring a lot of changes and it has been that in my life. My children now live close, I have changed careers, going from doing medical transcription to managing a parts department to semi retirement. Now I work two days a week, doing fun jobs for an executive. I do genealogy work, publishing and printing calendars for the family and making menus for the family. I never know what project will come up next, but I find most of them fun.
I pray that your five years have found new growth and excitement in your life.
Monday, August 15, 2005
Blogging!
I am now blogging addicted! How did it happen? Well, I started doing my own blogging and looking at several other blogs. Now, I find that I can spend an hour reading other's blogs. I hardly have time to do my own blog.
I have found a connection in reading the other blogs and miss it when someone doesn't blog every day. I have my list and I go down the list and it seems that Monday's are always the day people decide to do other things besides blog. I find I click on a blog and go right to the next blog because there is nothing new to read. I especially find it disappointing when I continue to go to a blog and it hasn't changed in a week or even two! I want to ask where are they? Why haven't they blogged? It's like losing an old friend.
So.....in case there is anyone out there who is reading my blog, I don't want you to be disappointed and not find something new.
I have a new question and would like some feedback!
Where and what were you doing five years ago and how have you changed in these five years?
I have found a connection in reading the other blogs and miss it when someone doesn't blog every day. I have my list and I go down the list and it seems that Monday's are always the day people decide to do other things besides blog. I find I click on a blog and go right to the next blog because there is nothing new to read. I especially find it disappointing when I continue to go to a blog and it hasn't changed in a week or even two! I want to ask where are they? Why haven't they blogged? It's like losing an old friend.
So.....in case there is anyone out there who is reading my blog, I don't want you to be disappointed and not find something new.
I have a new question and would like some feedback!
Where and what were you doing five years ago and how have you changed in these five years?
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Start of a New Week!
Sunday has come and gone. The start of a new week! For many in our area, it is the start of a new school year. For some it is the end of summer and the beginning of school, a new job, a new relationship, many new things.
Do I have something new? Not really. I am still plodding on the same territory as I have plodded for many years. I have a two day a week job. I have three days during the week to do "my own thing", as long as that includes cleaning the house, washing clothes and mowing the lawn once a week! But I do have a lot of extra time, time to do what I want and usually that means cross stitching, especially since I am working on a special project at this time. I think I have plenty of time to get it done, but I want to make sure, so I work on it often.
I wonder sometimes if I have too much time on my hands. I seem to get down and depressed easily and I don't want to take medication all the time. I may start back on my depression meds to see if it will lift my spirit. But I hesitate to do that because it affects other things in my life, important things! So.....I will just continue plodding and praying for some relief.
Do I have something new? Not really. I am still plodding on the same territory as I have plodded for many years. I have a two day a week job. I have three days during the week to do "my own thing", as long as that includes cleaning the house, washing clothes and mowing the lawn once a week! But I do have a lot of extra time, time to do what I want and usually that means cross stitching, especially since I am working on a special project at this time. I think I have plenty of time to get it done, but I want to make sure, so I work on it often.
I wonder sometimes if I have too much time on my hands. I seem to get down and depressed easily and I don't want to take medication all the time. I may start back on my depression meds to see if it will lift my spirit. But I hesitate to do that because it affects other things in my life, important things! So.....I will just continue plodding and praying for some relief.
Friday, August 05, 2005
RAMBLINGS!
Where have I been, you ask? I have not been at the computer long each day, just long enough to read my list of blogs and then rush off to work or wherever.
The kids are back in town and I got to see Ashton and Emma yesterday. They are growing as I type! I missed them and they had a good time on their trip.
I am reading a book now, "Blue Like Jazz". The reason I got the book and started reading it was because so many of the blogs I read listed it as a good read and one of their favorites. It is a good book with a totally different perspective on Christianity. I believe it to be a post modern definition for me.
I think it is funny how until I started blogging, I had not head the term post modern Christianity. I realized after starting to blog and read other blogs how unread and uneducated I have become. I am a smart person but I have tended to hide out in my own little world and be lost to the masses. That is not always a bad thing but in this case it caused me to feel left behind. I am enjoying catching up on reading the right now thoughts of those who I call brother and sister in Christ.
I will be away from my blog for several days as I travel with Tollie on his monthly trek to Tyler. I will enjoy being in the hotel and cross stitching, working feverishily to finish my project, watching old movies and letting someone else make the bed and cook the meal, not that I've done that too much lately. But it will be enjoyable anyway. But the best part will be being with Tollie. I don't like to be apart from him much and I don't like being home by myself away from him. So....it will be a good time with him.
Take care and hope you enjoy the rest of this hot month. School is about to start!
The kids are back in town and I got to see Ashton and Emma yesterday. They are growing as I type! I missed them and they had a good time on their trip.
I am reading a book now, "Blue Like Jazz". The reason I got the book and started reading it was because so many of the blogs I read listed it as a good read and one of their favorites. It is a good book with a totally different perspective on Christianity. I believe it to be a post modern definition for me.
I think it is funny how until I started blogging, I had not head the term post modern Christianity. I realized after starting to blog and read other blogs how unread and uneducated I have become. I am a smart person but I have tended to hide out in my own little world and be lost to the masses. That is not always a bad thing but in this case it caused me to feel left behind. I am enjoying catching up on reading the right now thoughts of those who I call brother and sister in Christ.
I will be away from my blog for several days as I travel with Tollie on his monthly trek to Tyler. I will enjoy being in the hotel and cross stitching, working feverishily to finish my project, watching old movies and letting someone else make the bed and cook the meal, not that I've done that too much lately. But it will be enjoyable anyway. But the best part will be being with Tollie. I don't like to be apart from him much and I don't like being home by myself away from him. So....it will be a good time with him.
Take care and hope you enjoy the rest of this hot month. School is about to start!
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
SATAN SPAM
It has occurred to me recently that I have been spammed twice! I received an e-mail from paypal concerning my account. I have received an e-mail once that stated I was trying to access my password. I didn't think too much of it. Then I get this e-mail that says I had added a new e-mail address. This I know I didn't do, so I was concerned and linked onto the link in the e-mail, thinking it was from paypal. After answering the questions it asked, I went on my merry way, but had a nagging feeling about it. Sure enough I researched it out again and realized it may have been a fradulent e-mail. I contacted paypal and sure enough it was a fraud e-mail. I had to go to my bank and get a new debit card and change everything in paypal. The link said it was going to paypal, but in reality when I clicked on the link, it went to a different source. So tricky and so underhanded.
Then the other day a cousin sent an e-mail concerning the ICE entry you put in your cell phone so that if you are in an accident the paramedics look there for In Case of Emergency number. Innocent enough and a good idea. Wrong! It is a phase one step of a several phase process to screw up your phone. Needless to say I repented and erased by entry quickly and notified those I had given this information to before. I don't like the idea that I have been duped so easily. But I have and now I realize how cunning and crafty these spammers can be.
Yet, I know Satan can be just as crafty and cunning and how often do I feel "spammed" by him? Not really that often. I know he is alive and well, but how often do I feel his presence in my life, trying to trip me up? Even though it is not often, I don't think it is because I am living such a Christian perfect life! I wonder if it is because I get so caught up in my living that I don't notice either Christ or Satan, just me! Of course, I guess that is one way Satan can spam us, cause us to get so caught up with ourselves.
So.....my goal today is to watch for spamming by the devil and make certain my eyes and thoughts are on Christ so I don't presume I am okay.
Then the other day a cousin sent an e-mail concerning the ICE entry you put in your cell phone so that if you are in an accident the paramedics look there for In Case of Emergency number. Innocent enough and a good idea. Wrong! It is a phase one step of a several phase process to screw up your phone. Needless to say I repented and erased by entry quickly and notified those I had given this information to before. I don't like the idea that I have been duped so easily. But I have and now I realize how cunning and crafty these spammers can be.
Yet, I know Satan can be just as crafty and cunning and how often do I feel "spammed" by him? Not really that often. I know he is alive and well, but how often do I feel his presence in my life, trying to trip me up? Even though it is not often, I don't think it is because I am living such a Christian perfect life! I wonder if it is because I get so caught up in my living that I don't notice either Christ or Satan, just me! Of course, I guess that is one way Satan can spam us, cause us to get so caught up with ourselves.
So.....my goal today is to watch for spamming by the devil and make certain my eyes and thoughts are on Christ so I don't presume I am okay.
Monday, August 01, 2005
Interesting Weekend!
We went to Austin this weekend to be with our youngest daughter. Her boyfriend was there for a visit for one day, from Missouri! We had ice cream with them on Friday night for about an hour's visit. It was good. Unfortunately, he had to leave on Saturday to get back to his job and preach on Sunday morning. But the hour we had with him and Mindy was quality time! It was enjoyable and we want to spend as much time with them as we can.
Life has interesting twists all the time. I had blogged earlier concerning my decisions to make of whether to go to Austin this weekend or skip out and go to Lubbock for my aunt's funeral. I chose to go to Austin to spend time with Trent and Mindy and especially Mindy. I think it was the right decision! Sometimes, I wonder, but this time I believe it was the right decision.
We went to church with Mindy on Sunday morning. It was interesting to say the least. We know this is where Mindy is suppose to be at this time in her life. Is it where we would go if we lived there? Probably not, but for her, it is a good place. Gateway Community Church is full of life for the unchurched. Tollie and I were able to see the distinct differences in the way they think and what we are use to thinking in a church. What I mean by this is, it was obvious they have a heart for the unchurched and conduct their services geared to that. The music is loud and active. Although we were surprised it was paticipatory and not just entertaining. That was refreshing! They do not have communion. I can see their choice in not having it. I am sure their thinking is that they do not want any sign of "religion" so they stay clear of the rituals that might give that appearance. Mindy says they do have communion on a Sunday night service once a month. This would bother me, as I feel bonded to those I worship with during communion. I would miss this. I think it is an important part of my worship. Do I think they are going to hell for not having punched their ticket? No......anymore than I think someone is going to hell for having communion at other times than Sunday service! But I do think I would miss out on an important time of bonding for me. Bonding with sisters and brothers in Christ and with God!
It was apparent Mindy has made her mark there as she introduced us to others. The first was a young lady in her small group. (She is the leader of the small group.) Another was some young gentlemen she just said hi to. Then she introduced us to a man that had rave reviews for Mindy and her babysitting abilities. You knew she had impacted that family with her smile and grace! Then there was a young man in one of the children's classes. Later she told us he had asked her out and confessed his liking for her. She told him she had a boyfriend!
I am so proud of Mindy. It would be hard as a single young lady to go to a large church (they have three services on Sunday morning and adding another one soon) and participate and find your nitch. But she has and it is apparent she is enjoying herself. She told me later that at times during the service she thought she would check on us to see if we were okay but decided to just worship and let us worship in our own way.
We were fine. I did find myself crying, like I do often at Christ Covenant at the beginning of the service. I am not sure what brings the tears. Sometimes I think it is a longing for old ways but then I think it is just emotion for new ways! Does that make sense? Probably not because I don't know why in reality. But I thank God for the ways I have grown and am growing and I ask for continued understanding. I do think I have become more open minded and for that I am thankful. Mindy has parents who are not condemning of her ways and I am proud that I can say that. I did find myself wondering about some of the people at Gateway, but I also found that it is okay if they don't have it all together, because neither do I! That is refreshing and I am thankful for that revelation in my new life.
Have a great week and I give God the praise for children, friends, family and travel!
Life has interesting twists all the time. I had blogged earlier concerning my decisions to make of whether to go to Austin this weekend or skip out and go to Lubbock for my aunt's funeral. I chose to go to Austin to spend time with Trent and Mindy and especially Mindy. I think it was the right decision! Sometimes, I wonder, but this time I believe it was the right decision.
We went to church with Mindy on Sunday morning. It was interesting to say the least. We know this is where Mindy is suppose to be at this time in her life. Is it where we would go if we lived there? Probably not, but for her, it is a good place. Gateway Community Church is full of life for the unchurched. Tollie and I were able to see the distinct differences in the way they think and what we are use to thinking in a church. What I mean by this is, it was obvious they have a heart for the unchurched and conduct their services geared to that. The music is loud and active. Although we were surprised it was paticipatory and not just entertaining. That was refreshing! They do not have communion. I can see their choice in not having it. I am sure their thinking is that they do not want any sign of "religion" so they stay clear of the rituals that might give that appearance. Mindy says they do have communion on a Sunday night service once a month. This would bother me, as I feel bonded to those I worship with during communion. I would miss this. I think it is an important part of my worship. Do I think they are going to hell for not having punched their ticket? No......anymore than I think someone is going to hell for having communion at other times than Sunday service! But I do think I would miss out on an important time of bonding for me. Bonding with sisters and brothers in Christ and with God!
It was apparent Mindy has made her mark there as she introduced us to others. The first was a young lady in her small group. (She is the leader of the small group.) Another was some young gentlemen she just said hi to. Then she introduced us to a man that had rave reviews for Mindy and her babysitting abilities. You knew she had impacted that family with her smile and grace! Then there was a young man in one of the children's classes. Later she told us he had asked her out and confessed his liking for her. She told him she had a boyfriend!
I am so proud of Mindy. It would be hard as a single young lady to go to a large church (they have three services on Sunday morning and adding another one soon) and participate and find your nitch. But she has and it is apparent she is enjoying herself. She told me later that at times during the service she thought she would check on us to see if we were okay but decided to just worship and let us worship in our own way.
We were fine. I did find myself crying, like I do often at Christ Covenant at the beginning of the service. I am not sure what brings the tears. Sometimes I think it is a longing for old ways but then I think it is just emotion for new ways! Does that make sense? Probably not because I don't know why in reality. But I thank God for the ways I have grown and am growing and I ask for continued understanding. I do think I have become more open minded and for that I am thankful. Mindy has parents who are not condemning of her ways and I am proud that I can say that. I did find myself wondering about some of the people at Gateway, but I also found that it is okay if they don't have it all together, because neither do I! That is refreshing and I am thankful for that revelation in my new life.
Have a great week and I give God the praise for children, friends, family and travel!
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