I feel like an alcoholic or drug addict and I must confess this truth and quit denying it; I am the mother of a son who is in the military. I am proud of my son and the military is a good fit for him. He recently married a lovely young woman whose father was career military. When he was stationed in England I was not happy until he returned to American soil. The four months he was deployed in Afghanistan I was on pins and needles, only after he returned home did I realize how stressed I was about it.
Before he enlisted into the military he looked for what he wanted to do, he tried working in a warehouse, tried to get on police departments, but none of it was a good fit for him. I think he really wanted to join the military before he tried all of those jobs, but he knew I really did not want him to join the military. When he did sign up, I whinced. I knew it was God's will, but I did not like it. Since then I have prayed a lot, and I have argued with God (guess who won), and I have let him go. I want him to do God's will, but I often go back in prayer and ask God if he is sure this is His will for my son.
I looked up posts from other Moms who have children in the military. Many of them have the same struggles. I found encouragement, comfort and pride in my son's chosen career. When he enlisted into the military I was drafted. Now that I have confessed that I am a military mom I do feel better and can move forward. When my son is deployed he will have my prayers for him and his wife. Not only will he have my support and prayers, but he will have the prayers and support of family, friends and church.
While I was looking up posts from moms in the military I discovered that Psalm 91 is a great prayer for our troops. Please pray for our troops, in this crazy mixed up world they are put in harms way, they choose to serve our country. Prayer does make a difference.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Saturday, September 15, 2012
We are Family
Our youngest son got married a month ago. It was a wonderful wedding. He has married a lovely young woman who loves Jesus as much as our son does.
We all went to Alamorgodo New Mexico for what I thought was too short of a time. We arrived on Thursday and met up with our soon to be married son and our oldest son and his wife. There was no awkward silence, there were hugs, excitement and planning. We met our sons bride for the first time on Thursday and saw immediately why he was marrying her.
It was a wonderful weekend where we got to connect with family members we haven't seen in a long time and got to meet the newest members of our family. The wedding was beautiful. It went off pretty much so without a hitch (a ring was late for arrivial).
The reception was a highlight for me. I got to see our son wildly in love with his bride, I think they danced every dance. Our oldest son and his wife were a joy to watch as they danced and were just enjoying each other and life. The brides family welcomed us with open arms and we welcomed them with joy. My sister in law and nephews and niece were there too. It was great to dance with my nephew! We all connected and celebrated the union of two people and two families, what a wonderful gift and blessing from God!
On the drive back home from the wedding I kept thinking of the song "We are family". We are family, not a perfect family, but one that loves and supports each other and with great joy our family expanded on August 4th!
Proverbs 24:3-4 "By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowlege its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures."
We all went to Alamorgodo New Mexico for what I thought was too short of a time. We arrived on Thursday and met up with our soon to be married son and our oldest son and his wife. There was no awkward silence, there were hugs, excitement and planning. We met our sons bride for the first time on Thursday and saw immediately why he was marrying her.
It was a wonderful weekend where we got to connect with family members we haven't seen in a long time and got to meet the newest members of our family. The wedding was beautiful. It went off pretty much so without a hitch (a ring was late for arrivial).
The reception was a highlight for me. I got to see our son wildly in love with his bride, I think they danced every dance. Our oldest son and his wife were a joy to watch as they danced and were just enjoying each other and life. The brides family welcomed us with open arms and we welcomed them with joy. My sister in law and nephews and niece were there too. It was great to dance with my nephew! We all connected and celebrated the union of two people and two families, what a wonderful gift and blessing from God!
On the drive back home from the wedding I kept thinking of the song "We are family". We are family, not a perfect family, but one that loves and supports each other and with great joy our family expanded on August 4th!
Proverbs 24:3-4 "By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowlege its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures."
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Dad
Father's Day is tomorrow and in celebration of this holiday to honor out father's I am going to honor my earthly father for Father's Day.
This is not an easy blog to write, and it is not because I had a terrible Dad, it is because my Dad died before I had very many memories of him. My Dad died in 1970 at the age of 32, and I was six years old. The few memories I do have of him are good.
My Dad was an Iowa Highway Patrolman, so he worked funny shifts and his days off varied each week. One day my Dad watched me while my mom was at work. We lived in a small town in Iowa and we walked to the Sinclair gas station. It was a nice day. My Dad stopped in at the gas station to visit one of his buddies. He shot the breeze with him and I just hung out with my Dad. After he visited his friend at the gas station we went accross the street to the small Cafe' and had lunch. I remember french fries, but not much else. It was a good day, I just hung out with my Dad.
Another time I went to a small grocery store with my Dad. I was trying to help him and got a bottle of ketchup for him. As I was walking to give it to him it fell out of my hands and broke. Back then ketchup came in glass bottles and it made a loud sound and was a large mess. I started crying, my Dad calmed me down and told me it was ok. The grocer promptly cleaned up the mess and all was well.
I am the youngest of three. I have two older brothers. When I was five I was playing outside in the spring. It was still cold, but most of the snow had melted. My brothers were playing outside also. I did something to try to get them to chase me. I started running away from them and I slipped and fell on some ice. I screamed and was crying uncontrollably. My Dad was in the shower at the time, but almost immediately he was at the back door with a towel wrapped around his waist wanting to know what happened. I tried to explain through the tears, but my Dad was sure my brothers had done something to me. Eventually the truth came out and my brothers were exonerated. My Dad was smart enough to notice that my arm had been broken from the fall and he took me to the hospital.
I ended up having to spend the night in the hospital when my arm broke. They had to ice my arm and put me under to set it properly. I had broken both bones. I remember waking up from the surgery and my Dad carried me out of the recovery room back to my hospital bed.
My Dad would often take his 'breaks' when he had his swing shift so that he could stop by the house and see us all before we went to bed. He would always get a quick glass of iced tea (Nestea instant). He did not stay long, but it was always nice to see him
He loved my mom very much and she loved him too. My mom is in her 70's now and she is concerned about dying; not because she is afraid to die, she is concerned she is going to get to heaven as an old lady and she will see my Dad all young and handsome. It is almost like she is nervous about a date with someone she loves and she wants to look her best to see him.
It does stink that I lost my Dad at such a young age. I will never know why he died so young, I guess sometimes life just does not make sense. When I was 32 years old I cried uncontrolably on Father's Day. I could not figure out what was wrong with me. My husband told me I should go see my mom, maybe she could help me. I did not go see my mom or my Aunt Judy, I ended up at my Grandma's house. When I walked in her door I just cried, I did not tell her why I was crying, I just sat down and cried. She looked at me and said "Cindy, your Dad would have never left you if he had any choice." It was what I needed to hear. I am so very thankful for the few memories I do have of him. He was a good man who loved me and my family. He took time to hang out with me and take me out to lunch, he made me feel better when I broke ketchup bottles, he tried to protect me from my brothers, he made sure that I was safe after surgery and he made it a priority to see his family every day, even when he worked an odd shift. My Dad left me at a young age, not of his own choice, but of his own choice he lived his life intentionally and left me with memories of a loving father. Thanks Dad! I will see you again (hopefully not too soon)! Love you!
This is not an easy blog to write, and it is not because I had a terrible Dad, it is because my Dad died before I had very many memories of him. My Dad died in 1970 at the age of 32, and I was six years old. The few memories I do have of him are good.
My Dad was an Iowa Highway Patrolman, so he worked funny shifts and his days off varied each week. One day my Dad watched me while my mom was at work. We lived in a small town in Iowa and we walked to the Sinclair gas station. It was a nice day. My Dad stopped in at the gas station to visit one of his buddies. He shot the breeze with him and I just hung out with my Dad. After he visited his friend at the gas station we went accross the street to the small Cafe' and had lunch. I remember french fries, but not much else. It was a good day, I just hung out with my Dad.
Another time I went to a small grocery store with my Dad. I was trying to help him and got a bottle of ketchup for him. As I was walking to give it to him it fell out of my hands and broke. Back then ketchup came in glass bottles and it made a loud sound and was a large mess. I started crying, my Dad calmed me down and told me it was ok. The grocer promptly cleaned up the mess and all was well.
I am the youngest of three. I have two older brothers. When I was five I was playing outside in the spring. It was still cold, but most of the snow had melted. My brothers were playing outside also. I did something to try to get them to chase me. I started running away from them and I slipped and fell on some ice. I screamed and was crying uncontrollably. My Dad was in the shower at the time, but almost immediately he was at the back door with a towel wrapped around his waist wanting to know what happened. I tried to explain through the tears, but my Dad was sure my brothers had done something to me. Eventually the truth came out and my brothers were exonerated. My Dad was smart enough to notice that my arm had been broken from the fall and he took me to the hospital.
I ended up having to spend the night in the hospital when my arm broke. They had to ice my arm and put me under to set it properly. I had broken both bones. I remember waking up from the surgery and my Dad carried me out of the recovery room back to my hospital bed.
My Dad would often take his 'breaks' when he had his swing shift so that he could stop by the house and see us all before we went to bed. He would always get a quick glass of iced tea (Nestea instant). He did not stay long, but it was always nice to see him
He loved my mom very much and she loved him too. My mom is in her 70's now and she is concerned about dying; not because she is afraid to die, she is concerned she is going to get to heaven as an old lady and she will see my Dad all young and handsome. It is almost like she is nervous about a date with someone she loves and she wants to look her best to see him.
It does stink that I lost my Dad at such a young age. I will never know why he died so young, I guess sometimes life just does not make sense. When I was 32 years old I cried uncontrolably on Father's Day. I could not figure out what was wrong with me. My husband told me I should go see my mom, maybe she could help me. I did not go see my mom or my Aunt Judy, I ended up at my Grandma's house. When I walked in her door I just cried, I did not tell her why I was crying, I just sat down and cried. She looked at me and said "Cindy, your Dad would have never left you if he had any choice." It was what I needed to hear. I am so very thankful for the few memories I do have of him. He was a good man who loved me and my family. He took time to hang out with me and take me out to lunch, he made me feel better when I broke ketchup bottles, he tried to protect me from my brothers, he made sure that I was safe after surgery and he made it a priority to see his family every day, even when he worked an odd shift. My Dad left me at a young age, not of his own choice, but of his own choice he lived his life intentionally and left me with memories of a loving father. Thanks Dad! I will see you again (hopefully not too soon)! Love you!
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Lose One Gain Seven
I am blessed this year with being the director of VBS (Vacation Bible School). As I was looking over the list of volunteers for VBS I was reminded of God's greater provision.
A few years ago L. was a Sunday school teacher in the room I was responsible for. She was a great teacher who was responsible, on time, prepared and always happy. We had a once every three month rotation and I was either helping or teaching the other two months. Because of L.'s consistency I was able to get a break one month out of three. I would get opportunities to talk to L. and she told me that she did not feel comfortable teaching the age group she was teaching. She felt more comfortable working with the teens. Her and her husband are high school teachers. At the time our church did not have much of a youth group. Our church is rebuilding and there was not much of a need for a youth group or youth leader. When L. would talk about working with the teens her eyes would light up and she would get so excited. The thought of a youth group looked like a far away dream for her.
Then one Sunday (the Sunday before she was supposed to teach in my class) L. came to my Sunday school classroom all excited. Her husband had decided that they should lead the youth group. They were going to start the next Sunday. She could not do her month. I was very excited for her, but I knew that her leaving meant I would not get a break from teaching for a while.
The youth group took off like a wildfire. L. and her husband have seen God's hand of blessing upon their ministry. From their blessing I have been very blessed and so has our children's ministry. By L. moving from my Sunday school class to the youth group our children's ministry has acquired 3 helpers for Sunday school and seven volunteers for VBS.
I had no power to hold L. back from leaving my Sunday school room. By her leaving I ended up working in the Sunday school room for about a year without a break. I knew the extra work was temporary but I never would have guessed at the blessings that would come from L. leaving.
Sometimes God wants us to give up or lose one, but that one leaving can turn into more than you ever imagined.
Ecclesiastes 11:1 Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.
A few years ago L. was a Sunday school teacher in the room I was responsible for. She was a great teacher who was responsible, on time, prepared and always happy. We had a once every three month rotation and I was either helping or teaching the other two months. Because of L.'s consistency I was able to get a break one month out of three. I would get opportunities to talk to L. and she told me that she did not feel comfortable teaching the age group she was teaching. She felt more comfortable working with the teens. Her and her husband are high school teachers. At the time our church did not have much of a youth group. Our church is rebuilding and there was not much of a need for a youth group or youth leader. When L. would talk about working with the teens her eyes would light up and she would get so excited. The thought of a youth group looked like a far away dream for her.
Then one Sunday (the Sunday before she was supposed to teach in my class) L. came to my Sunday school classroom all excited. Her husband had decided that they should lead the youth group. They were going to start the next Sunday. She could not do her month. I was very excited for her, but I knew that her leaving meant I would not get a break from teaching for a while.
The youth group took off like a wildfire. L. and her husband have seen God's hand of blessing upon their ministry. From their blessing I have been very blessed and so has our children's ministry. By L. moving from my Sunday school class to the youth group our children's ministry has acquired 3 helpers for Sunday school and seven volunteers for VBS.
I had no power to hold L. back from leaving my Sunday school room. By her leaving I ended up working in the Sunday school room for about a year without a break. I knew the extra work was temporary but I never would have guessed at the blessings that would come from L. leaving.
Sometimes God wants us to give up or lose one, but that one leaving can turn into more than you ever imagined.
Ecclesiastes 11:1 Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Mother's Day
Today the kindergarten class got to make Mother's Day cards. As I was watching them work hard on coloring the cards and writing the words they wanted to say to their mom it just reminded me of how important mom's are at any age.
One little boy who we very seldom can get to write anything, asked me to write something on his card for his mom. I told him I would write it in pencil and then he could trace it in marker. I asked what he wanted me to write, it was simple but says it all "I love you Mommy." I happily wrote it for him and he carefully traced the letters to make his card complete.
I was also privelged to have some of the cards read to me, slowly and phonetically one little boy wrote "Mom yuo are the bst mom evr I love yuo vere much." He wrote that and some very similiar thoughts on all 4 pages of the card.
One little boy asked for a book that the teacher had read about Mother's Day. He wanted it so he could copy the poem for his mom. He sat for twenty minutes copying the poem and writing very neatly. After he copied the poem he drew some nice pictures on his card.
A little girl painstakingly went through all of the stickers available for the cards to find a bunny sticker. She could not find the bunny sticker she wanted so she walked around the class and found a little boy who had gotten the bunny sticker, she did a major trade in order to get her bunny sticker for her card. Her mommy likes bunnies.
I usually don't disagree with the teacher, but today I had to disagree with her. She wrote on the board "You are the best Mom ever." I told her that the kids mom's could not be the best Mom ever, because my Mom is the best Mom ever. She laughed and said that could not be true because her mom is the best mom ever.
If you have to send a card that has the words you want to say, find that special sticker (present) or do something that you really don't like to do to show your mom that you love her and that she is the best mom ever, your mom will love it just as much as she did when you were in kindergarten. As you do that just remember that my Mom IS the bestest Mom ever!!!
Proverbs 31:31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
One little boy who we very seldom can get to write anything, asked me to write something on his card for his mom. I told him I would write it in pencil and then he could trace it in marker. I asked what he wanted me to write, it was simple but says it all "I love you Mommy." I happily wrote it for him and he carefully traced the letters to make his card complete.
I was also privelged to have some of the cards read to me, slowly and phonetically one little boy wrote "Mom yuo are the bst mom evr I love yuo vere much." He wrote that and some very similiar thoughts on all 4 pages of the card.
One little boy asked for a book that the teacher had read about Mother's Day. He wanted it so he could copy the poem for his mom. He sat for twenty minutes copying the poem and writing very neatly. After he copied the poem he drew some nice pictures on his card.
A little girl painstakingly went through all of the stickers available for the cards to find a bunny sticker. She could not find the bunny sticker she wanted so she walked around the class and found a little boy who had gotten the bunny sticker, she did a major trade in order to get her bunny sticker for her card. Her mommy likes bunnies.
I usually don't disagree with the teacher, but today I had to disagree with her. She wrote on the board "You are the best Mom ever." I told her that the kids mom's could not be the best Mom ever, because my Mom is the best Mom ever. She laughed and said that could not be true because her mom is the best mom ever.
If you have to send a card that has the words you want to say, find that special sticker (present) or do something that you really don't like to do to show your mom that you love her and that she is the best mom ever, your mom will love it just as much as she did when you were in kindergarten. As you do that just remember that my Mom IS the bestest Mom ever!!!
Proverbs 31:31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Vengence is Mine
It happens to everyone sometime in their life, they are wronged personally. It is not easy and friends and family members often come your rescue and give you ideas of how to get back at the person or persons who hurt you. It is nice of them to support you, but often their advice is vengeful and unethical.
As I have gotten older I have somewhat grown from taking vengence, or trying to take care of it myself, to giving them enough rope to hang themselves. I thought that was a Biblical point of view; a man reaps what he sows. When I have taken that point of view I have seen people reap what they sow.
As I walk with the Lord he gives me new insight and makes me grow a bit more. I was hurt by some brothers and sisters in Christ, and I thought that I would sit back and watch them reap what they sow, because I felt what they had done was wrong and it was hurtful to me. God did not let me get away with watching them reap what they sowed, instead He made me go help them to succeed. He arranged my circumstances and made me go and help the people who broke my heart. I will be honest I did not enjoy it to begin with, and I thought God was going to let me see them reap what they sowed, but He didn't. Instead God changed me and taught me some things. A follower is not greater than his master, Jesus was hurt and betrayed by his friends. Jesus came back for Peter, died for Judas as well as me, a follower is no greater than his Master. Reconcilliation is very important to God, and if I have a brother or sister who has offended me then I need to go to them. I need to pray for those who have hurt me, and the prayer should not be God get them (even though it is tempting), but it should be a prayer that brings glory to God and furthers his kingdom. It is much easier to love those who love us, but true love is often seen when I love others who are not treating me justly.
I am somewhat on the otherside of the hurts, they happened a few years ago. As I was talking to a friend she was telling me how some people were not treating her well and so she decided to take a course that would somewhat undermine the people who had hurt her. It was not an unethical course, but it was not a productive course. Her course is ending up making her look bad and justifying the actions of the people she is trying to undermine. As I listened to her I realized that God says "vengence is mine" for a reason. God knows the hearts and circumstances of all of the people involved and when I try to take action on my part it makes me look bad, but if I leave vengence to God and love those who treated me unjustly I bring glory to God.
Psalm 37:18 The days of the blameless are know to the LORD, and their inheritance will endure forever.
As I have gotten older I have somewhat grown from taking vengence, or trying to take care of it myself, to giving them enough rope to hang themselves. I thought that was a Biblical point of view; a man reaps what he sows. When I have taken that point of view I have seen people reap what they sow.
As I walk with the Lord he gives me new insight and makes me grow a bit more. I was hurt by some brothers and sisters in Christ, and I thought that I would sit back and watch them reap what they sow, because I felt what they had done was wrong and it was hurtful to me. God did not let me get away with watching them reap what they sowed, instead He made me go help them to succeed. He arranged my circumstances and made me go and help the people who broke my heart. I will be honest I did not enjoy it to begin with, and I thought God was going to let me see them reap what they sowed, but He didn't. Instead God changed me and taught me some things. A follower is not greater than his master, Jesus was hurt and betrayed by his friends. Jesus came back for Peter, died for Judas as well as me, a follower is no greater than his Master. Reconcilliation is very important to God, and if I have a brother or sister who has offended me then I need to go to them. I need to pray for those who have hurt me, and the prayer should not be God get them (even though it is tempting), but it should be a prayer that brings glory to God and furthers his kingdom. It is much easier to love those who love us, but true love is often seen when I love others who are not treating me justly.
I am somewhat on the otherside of the hurts, they happened a few years ago. As I was talking to a friend she was telling me how some people were not treating her well and so she decided to take a course that would somewhat undermine the people who had hurt her. It was not an unethical course, but it was not a productive course. Her course is ending up making her look bad and justifying the actions of the people she is trying to undermine. As I listened to her I realized that God says "vengence is mine" for a reason. God knows the hearts and circumstances of all of the people involved and when I try to take action on my part it makes me look bad, but if I leave vengence to God and love those who treated me unjustly I bring glory to God.
Psalm 37:18 The days of the blameless are know to the LORD, and their inheritance will endure forever.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Toad Lover
I was talking to my Aunt Judy on the phone today. Some how the conversation turned to how her husband turned her words that were meant to have a little sting around to a positive. She said if she called him a toad, he would say "so you are a toad lover". It really made her think and it turned what might have been a negative to a positive. My Uncle George has some wisdom too.
The words you say to your spouse reflect upon you. Are you a toad lover or a prince lover?
Proverbs 25:11 A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
The words you say to your spouse reflect upon you. Are you a toad lover or a prince lover?
Proverbs 25:11 A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Finishing the Race
My brother-in-law passed away about a month ago. He died suddenly and unexpectedly. My husband and I flew back to Chicago for the funeral and to hopefully bring a little comfort for my sister-in-law, niece and nephews. All during the many activities that go along with death and laying someone to rest one thought kept going through my mind. They finished the race. They finished their marriage and completed their vows.
As I observed my sister-in-law I realized that she was not only faithful in his life, she was also faithful in his death. I watched as she stood for 6 hours at the wake, getting hugs from people she knew and loved and those she did not know, but who knew her husband. She was a gracious hostess, sharing stories of her husband and introducing strangers to their 3 children. She was exhausted at the end of the wake, both physically and emotionally. She carried out her husbands wishes concerning his funeral and the way he wanted to be buried, even though her mother-in-law did not understand.
Just like life, marriages eventually end. Some end in divorce and others end in death. Eventually they all end. My brother-in-laws death is not a celebration, but I think the fact that he and my sister-in-law kept their vows and completed the marriage is a heritage their 3 children will treasure in years to come. They finished the race, they kept their vows.
2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
As I observed my sister-in-law I realized that she was not only faithful in his life, she was also faithful in his death. I watched as she stood for 6 hours at the wake, getting hugs from people she knew and loved and those she did not know, but who knew her husband. She was a gracious hostess, sharing stories of her husband and introducing strangers to their 3 children. She was exhausted at the end of the wake, both physically and emotionally. She carried out her husbands wishes concerning his funeral and the way he wanted to be buried, even though her mother-in-law did not understand.
Just like life, marriages eventually end. Some end in divorce and others end in death. Eventually they all end. My brother-in-laws death is not a celebration, but I think the fact that he and my sister-in-law kept their vows and completed the marriage is a heritage their 3 children will treasure in years to come. They finished the race, they kept their vows.
2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Why Bother?
Why Bother?
It happens every Sunday. I prepare a Sunday school lesson for the preschoolers at my church, I plan for ten, but I may only get two. From Sunday to Sunday the numbers are never the same. My church is not alone, it is a national phenomena. 23 million self proclaimed Christians in America do not have any church affiliation, and of those who do attend church 40-50 percent do so with a loose commitment. (Stafford 2005) Even though there is a lack of commitment to the church in America; the church is still as significant to God today as it was when it was founded.
What was the church founded on? Matthew 16:16 states Peter’s confession “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”, (NIV) and that confession is the foundation on which the church is built on. Jesus said in Matthew 16:17-18 “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” The church is the people who believe Peter’s confession. To God, that has not changed.
The purpose of the church is to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” And “encourage one another---and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25. The purpose of the church is still the same. If the foundation of the church and the purpose of the church have not changed, why do Christians lack a commitment to the church today?
Generation Yer’s (millennials) are “the first generation raised without God.” (Hill 2011) This generation and the generations to follow have been raised to believe in evolution, and to question God’s existence or relevance. They also have been brought up in a multicultural society, so whatever you want to do or believe is ok, and your belief is no more important than anyone else’s. It is easy to see that the current generation is not going to have many foundational reasons to be committed to the church.
The church is full of sinners, who have hurt others in the church. I have a few friends who have been hurt by the church, and they are not alone. The pain and offense are real. When a person has been hurt by the ones who are supposed to encourage them, the hurt is not easily healed, and the results are a lack of trust and commitment to the church.
American Christians have been brought up to be consumers. They no longer see church as a place to serve, but a place to be served. They shop around for the best church to fit their wants and needs; searching for something that makes them feel good, and costs little for them personally. If the church begins to have any problems, disagreements or costs them more personally, they leave and shop for another church, or quit going to church altogether. (Stafford 2005)
People who go to church statistically “feel a real and personal connection with God”, 68%-78%, depending on the size of the church. (www.barna.org) As a Christian, “You are called to belong, not just believe.” (Warren 2002) Belonging to a group of believers who “spur one another on toward love and good deeds…and encourage one another” Hebrews 10:24-25 brings forth fruit. Fruit requires a commitment and willingness to grow and change. Sometimes the problems in a church are God’s way of making Christians more Christ like. Followers are not above their master; Jesus was unjustly accused, beaten and killed. Jesus was perfect, and loved Peter even though he denied him 3 times. Sometimes God can use the church with its imperfections to make Christians more Christ like. American Christians need to remember who the buyer is, “You were bought at a price.” 1 Corinthians 6:20 (NIV), and what the cost was, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 (NIV)
The foundation, purpose, buyer and cost of the church have not changed in over 2,000 years. America’s culture and attitudes have changed in the last 40 years. Even though America’s culture and attitudes have changed, the church is still as significant to God today as the day it was founded.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Sundays
About six weeks ago I woke up on Sunday morning remembering my childhood. When I was very young, about 40 years ago, Sunday's were different than the other days of the week. There were very few stores, restaurants and gas stations open on Sundays. We went to church and my mom fixed a Sunday dinner or we went to my Grandma's house. The TV was not on during the day on Sunday. Then it all changed. It did not happen all at once, but gradually. First Hy-Vee (grocery store) started being open on Sundays, then gradually more gas stations, restaurants and eventually retail stores were open on Sundays. To begin with the hours were shorter on Sundays, but gradually the hours became more and more extended. Granted many stores and restaurants are not opened as long on Sundays, but they are still open most of the day.
I have a friend who decided along with her husband that they would set aside Sundays to the Lord. They would go to church and church fellowships, but when it came to work, they would not do it on Sundays. My friend started this eight years ago, her husband since has passed away, but she continues to keep Sundays set aside to the Lord.
Since I woke up six weeks ago remembering what Sundays were like when I was a child, I decided to try to make Sundays special and set aside to the Lord. I am a regular attender of church, so the going to church was no different. What I have started doing differently is I cut back on my media on Sundays. I check my phone, but not as often, I don't get on the computer or turn on the TV until Sunday evening. I also try to get all of the laundry, shopping, gas etc.. done on Saturdays. Now on Sundays I go to church, read Christian books, take walks, naps and just enjoy doing nothing.
I am still working on setting aside Sundays, but so far I really like it and I feel it makes my week much better. This world is busy and crazy, by me setting aside Sundays and slowing down, it makes me rested and more able to listen to that small still voice.
Exodus 20:8 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy."
I have a friend who decided along with her husband that they would set aside Sundays to the Lord. They would go to church and church fellowships, but when it came to work, they would not do it on Sundays. My friend started this eight years ago, her husband since has passed away, but she continues to keep Sundays set aside to the Lord.
Since I woke up six weeks ago remembering what Sundays were like when I was a child, I decided to try to make Sundays special and set aside to the Lord. I am a regular attender of church, so the going to church was no different. What I have started doing differently is I cut back on my media on Sundays. I check my phone, but not as often, I don't get on the computer or turn on the TV until Sunday evening. I also try to get all of the laundry, shopping, gas etc.. done on Saturdays. Now on Sundays I go to church, read Christian books, take walks, naps and just enjoy doing nothing.
I am still working on setting aside Sundays, but so far I really like it and I feel it makes my week much better. This world is busy and crazy, by me setting aside Sundays and slowing down, it makes me rested and more able to listen to that small still voice.
Exodus 20:8 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy."
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Menopause
Menopause, it is often the unspoken span of life that women don't like to talk about and that men run away from screaming. I am starting the joy of menopause and wanted to share some things that I am learning and that I have learned from others. I have had read some articles and books about menopause and in several of them the women thought they were going crazy, now that I am starting to go through it, I can understand that feeling.
I realized that I was starting to go through menopause when our oldest son was getting married. So the first lesson I learned was that menopause shows up when you don't want it to. When I figured out that I was going through menopause I started asking older women how they went through it. I first asked my mom, she basically had no symptoms, so she did not count. Then I found out a lot of my older friends cheated and had hysterectomies and went on hormones, so they did not count either. A lot of older women also had hormones (before it was found out that they cause cancer), so that did not count either.
I found a great Christian book called 'Hot Flashes From Heaven'. I read it quickly and I laughed and I cried through the book. The book begins with the fact that this woman has been to several doctors and can't figure out what is wrong with her, she finally stumbles on to a doctor who says let's see if you are going through menopause and that is what was 'wrong' with her. She has several insights into menopause and helpful hints. It was a good book to get me started going through this stage of my life. The one thing she kept going back to was the fact that even though she often did not feel it, she knew and reminded herself that God truly loved her even as she was going through this phase of her life.
As I have been going through this and have talked to other women about it I realized along with menopause comes a lower tolerance level. Things that used to not bother me, bother me. I don't think it is all bad, but I do have to watch myself when I am put in certain situations. I am less easy going and a little bit more outspoken than I used to be.
With my own personal research (which compiles of me asking my friends and family members) I have found several symptoms of menopause that are lightly touched upon, but really can impact a woman's life. I have a friend who itched. She said her skin felt creepy crawly and just constantly itched. It was not an itching from the outside, it was an itching from the inside (not the dry skin that is talked about in books for menopause). She just had to suffer through it. When I told my doctor (who is a female) that I thought I was starting to go through menopause, she laughed and said enjoy the ride. She said she did not know what was happening to her, all of a sudden she would get dizzy, and she did not realize that it was menopause. I have another friend who told me that when she started going through menopause that she picked up her daughter from school and was going to take her to swimming lessons, half way there she forgot how to get there. She had been driving her daughter to swimming lessons for over 7 years and she said her mind just went blank. She called her husband and said she did not know how to get her daughter to her swimming lessons. No wonder women used to go to mental hospitals when they started going through menopause.
Some of my symptoms are lower tolerance, feeling anxious, dizziness, dry skin,memory loss (all of a sudden my mind goes blank and I can't remember names) and lately hot flashes. One of the first things I did when I figured out that I was going through menopause was I went to my doctor and got a complete physical. I did it more for my sanity than for any real concerns about my health. I have had this body for over 47 years and I knew how it worked and now all of a sudden I don't understand it at all. Some of my symptoms I just have to laugh through, and others I can do practical things to help. I have cut down on my caffeine on days that I work (and drive). Sometimes I will be sitting at a stoplight and it will feel like my car is going backwards when it isn't. Caffeine can increase dizziness and anxiety. Hot flashes are becoming worse for me. I have gotten a few tips that help. My Aunt Judy told me to keep an extra pillow on the floor so when I get a hot flash at night I can switch out the pillows, I have found that it really does help. I also keep a blanket on the floor because sometimes I get cold flashes too, often times after hot flashes. One of my friends told me that she noticed that her hot flashes were worse on the months that she did not have her periods. I thought that was an interesting. Just realizing and knowing that these are symptoms of menopause helps. If I forget someones name, I don't freak out, I just remind myself that this is menopause.
Talking to friends that have been through the other side I have found out that I will not be who I was before menopause, but its OK. I will cry a bit easier, and I have found that even now I laugh a bit easier too. I will not be able to multi-task like I used to. I will still be me, but maybe a bit gentler version of me in the end.
I hope this helps for any of you going through this and for those of you who have gone through it, it may give you a good laugh.
Blessings
I realized that I was starting to go through menopause when our oldest son was getting married. So the first lesson I learned was that menopause shows up when you don't want it to. When I figured out that I was going through menopause I started asking older women how they went through it. I first asked my mom, she basically had no symptoms, so she did not count. Then I found out a lot of my older friends cheated and had hysterectomies and went on hormones, so they did not count either. A lot of older women also had hormones (before it was found out that they cause cancer), so that did not count either.
I found a great Christian book called 'Hot Flashes From Heaven'. I read it quickly and I laughed and I cried through the book. The book begins with the fact that this woman has been to several doctors and can't figure out what is wrong with her, she finally stumbles on to a doctor who says let's see if you are going through menopause and that is what was 'wrong' with her. She has several insights into menopause and helpful hints. It was a good book to get me started going through this stage of my life. The one thing she kept going back to was the fact that even though she often did not feel it, she knew and reminded herself that God truly loved her even as she was going through this phase of her life.
As I have been going through this and have talked to other women about it I realized along with menopause comes a lower tolerance level. Things that used to not bother me, bother me. I don't think it is all bad, but I do have to watch myself when I am put in certain situations. I am less easy going and a little bit more outspoken than I used to be.
With my own personal research (which compiles of me asking my friends and family members) I have found several symptoms of menopause that are lightly touched upon, but really can impact a woman's life. I have a friend who itched. She said her skin felt creepy crawly and just constantly itched. It was not an itching from the outside, it was an itching from the inside (not the dry skin that is talked about in books for menopause). She just had to suffer through it. When I told my doctor (who is a female) that I thought I was starting to go through menopause, she laughed and said enjoy the ride. She said she did not know what was happening to her, all of a sudden she would get dizzy, and she did not realize that it was menopause. I have another friend who told me that when she started going through menopause that she picked up her daughter from school and was going to take her to swimming lessons, half way there she forgot how to get there. She had been driving her daughter to swimming lessons for over 7 years and she said her mind just went blank. She called her husband and said she did not know how to get her daughter to her swimming lessons. No wonder women used to go to mental hospitals when they started going through menopause.
Some of my symptoms are lower tolerance, feeling anxious, dizziness, dry skin,memory loss (all of a sudden my mind goes blank and I can't remember names) and lately hot flashes. One of the first things I did when I figured out that I was going through menopause was I went to my doctor and got a complete physical. I did it more for my sanity than for any real concerns about my health. I have had this body for over 47 years and I knew how it worked and now all of a sudden I don't understand it at all. Some of my symptoms I just have to laugh through, and others I can do practical things to help. I have cut down on my caffeine on days that I work (and drive). Sometimes I will be sitting at a stoplight and it will feel like my car is going backwards when it isn't. Caffeine can increase dizziness and anxiety. Hot flashes are becoming worse for me. I have gotten a few tips that help. My Aunt Judy told me to keep an extra pillow on the floor so when I get a hot flash at night I can switch out the pillows, I have found that it really does help. I also keep a blanket on the floor because sometimes I get cold flashes too, often times after hot flashes. One of my friends told me that she noticed that her hot flashes were worse on the months that she did not have her periods. I thought that was an interesting. Just realizing and knowing that these are symptoms of menopause helps. If I forget someones name, I don't freak out, I just remind myself that this is menopause.
Talking to friends that have been through the other side I have found out that I will not be who I was before menopause, but its OK. I will cry a bit easier, and I have found that even now I laugh a bit easier too. I will not be able to multi-task like I used to. I will still be me, but maybe a bit gentler version of me in the end.
I hope this helps for any of you going through this and for those of you who have gone through it, it may give you a good laugh.
Blessings
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