Most of us don't enjoy confrontation. Yes, there are some that do, and I've met a few of those people in the past. But I think the majority of those I'm acquainted with aren't crazy about having to confront people. I know I'm not. I don't like it. I'll do it when the situation calls for it, but it's not something I look forward to.
This morning I woke up wide-eyed with my alarm. I'd been having a most interesting dream where I was hashing things out with someone that had misjudged me a couple of years back. It was a vivid dream that felt so real, and I woke up rather disturbed about the whole scenario.
At first, I was angry that I hadn't really gotten to say those things I said in my dream. I was thinking that it might have been therapeutic and cleansing in a way to get those things off my chest and clear the air. But at the same time, I was upset with myself that I apparently still think about this situation. Even while I am sound asleep, I'm contemplating what-if scenarios in my head.
I thought I had let it go. I really did. I didn't realize that part of me was still dwelling on that incident, but somehow, I'm still holding onto a piece of the pain. I'm nurturing that fragment, and if I allow it to, it will fester.
Earlier this week, a friend posted this Little Wonders video by Rob Thomas on Facebook. (The song was featured in the animated film Meet the Robinsons, which I've blogged about before.) And today it's a fitting reminder that I really just need to let it go.
Showing posts with label Messy Spirituality. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Messy Spirituality. Show all posts
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Free to Be Me
I'm me. Tried to be someone else once. It didn't fly. So you're stuck with me…
That’s my opening line on my Twitter profile. Sure. It’s kind of odd to start there, but it is reality. That is the way I’ve been viewing my life for the past couple of years.
I’ve started showing my real self. I’ve stopped faking, stopped trying to be someone else, stopped trying to please other people, stopped trying to blend in and stopped trying to be like everyone else.
In exchange, I started to focus on pleasing the only ONE who matters. And when I let go of caring about the rest, I was FREE. Free to be real. Free to be open-minded. Free to listen and form my own opinions. Free to love. Free to disagree with those that I love. Free to be myself. Free to see myself as HE sees me.
It’s not pretty all the time. In fact sometimes, it’s downright ugly. But seeing that reality prompts me to step back, allowing HIM to transform me and truly set me FREE.
That’s my opening line on my Twitter profile. Sure. It’s kind of odd to start there, but it is reality. That is the way I’ve been viewing my life for the past couple of years.
I’ve started showing my real self. I’ve stopped faking, stopped trying to be someone else, stopped trying to please other people, stopped trying to blend in and stopped trying to be like everyone else.
In exchange, I started to focus on pleasing the only ONE who matters. And when I let go of caring about the rest, I was FREE. Free to be real. Free to be open-minded. Free to listen and form my own opinions. Free to love. Free to disagree with those that I love. Free to be myself. Free to see myself as HE sees me.
It’s not pretty all the time. In fact sometimes, it’s downright ugly. But seeing that reality prompts me to step back, allowing HIM to transform me and truly set me FREE.
Speaking from the Heart
I came across this video on another blog. Some might call it random, but I don't believe in accidents. I resonate with A LOT of what the speaker is saying here. It's thought provoking stuff.
I particularly liked this line that he said about the church: “It’s not a museum for good people. It’s a hospital for the broken.”
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Here Lies...
First of all, it’s not actually my greatest fear. Outside of eternal separation from GOD, spiders would probably be at the top of my list. (shiver)
Secondly, I’m not ordinarily morbid or so focused on my impending end. In fact, most of the time, I don’t think about stuff like that. But for some reason, it came to mind this weekend as I surveyed my life.
Fact is that I’ve been spending a lot of time on my own again lately. This isn’t a ploy for sympathy. I love it. Solitude is addictive! I crave it. I long for it. I need it. And my solitude isn’t lonely. I’ve been spending my time reading. I opted to put my Netflix account on hold for a while and get caught up on some books I’ve been collecting, and I’ve really been enjoying every minute. Nothing quite like getting wrapped up in someone else’s imagination! It’s pure joy for me.
As innocent as reading is, I have to be careful. I know me. If I let it, reading can so easily replace relationships for me, which is dangerous. Sure, I can enjoy books, but I need to be around people – real live, flesh and blood people, too. I need to be interacting with others. I need to be involved in making the lives of those around me better. I need to actively participate in my own story.
Frankly, I’m not embracing my mission if I select fiction over real life. Lots to ponder…
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Aching for Beauty
I think each of us ache for beauty. Sometimes we catch a glimpse of it, and it is more than we can handle here in the present. It doesn’t resonate with the other things in our lives – the chaos, the hatred, the pain, the struggles. Somehow just a peek at something pure or less tainted creates a dissonance within. It leaves us longing for that something else. Longing for more! We long for something else perhaps less defined. I think most of us - Christian or non-Christian – hope for more. We crave something we can’t always identify.
I think certain longings or desires aren’t meant to be over-ridden or ignored. I think these are the outcry of our souls, searching for something we can’t find within. We long for something else – a deeper communion, a perfect harmony with something outside ourselves.
It is magical.
It is mystical.
And yet it is real.
C.S. Lewis said it best: “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in the world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”
It is a dissatisfaction with our current status, and yet, I believe it is all good...
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
The Holiday Blitz
For the first time in a decade, I sang in a Christmas concert again. No solos, thank you very much – I tortured myself and others enough with those in years past. HA! But I did sing with my church choir and loved every minute of it. We had 2 performances last weekend, and now after a break of several days, I’m almost ready to do it all again. ALMOST! It was a thrilling and moving experience, and all the glory and praise goes to GOD.
You would think that my life would be a bit calmer now that the Christmas concerts are over, but the opposite is true. I looked at my calendar this morning and was shocked at the to-dos coming up – choir party, office parties, cookie exchanges, other concerts and programs to attend. YIKES! And somewhere in there, I need to finish my Christmas shopping, write up my Christmas letter and mail out the cards, bake a gazillion cookies and attempt not to over-eat and indulge in sweets every minute.
It’s all good stuff, and I’ll enjoy nearly every minute. BUT I’m trying to reign things in a bit and refocus and center my attention on the “babe in the manger.” HE somehow isn’t the center of my attention amidst the holiday blitz, and yet HE should be. This is CHRIST's season after all, right?
You would think that my life would be a bit calmer now that the Christmas concerts are over, but the opposite is true. I looked at my calendar this morning and was shocked at the to-dos coming up – choir party, office parties, cookie exchanges, other concerts and programs to attend. YIKES! And somewhere in there, I need to finish my Christmas shopping, write up my Christmas letter and mail out the cards, bake a gazillion cookies and attempt not to over-eat and indulge in sweets every minute.
It’s all good stuff, and I’ll enjoy nearly every minute. BUT I’m trying to reign things in a bit and refocus and center my attention on the “babe in the manger.” HE somehow isn’t the center of my attention amidst the holiday blitz, and yet HE should be. This is CHRIST's season after all, right?
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
The Expectant Season
OK, before the rumors start to fly, let me state for the record that I am NOT pregnant. No baby is expected in my life within the next 10 months or more honest! AHEM! I am glad to get that little agenda item cleared up.
Actually, I’m using the term “expectant” here in a different line of thought. I heard it on the radio this morning. Normally, I don’t like talkative DJs, especially in the mornings. I listen for music only, and typically I tune the talking out or flip to another station, but today I listened to some DJ chatter for just a couple of moments. K-Love was talking about the term “expectant” and asking what their listeners were expecting this holiday season, and it made me pause and think about it, and I still am. I went straight for my online dictionary this morning...
The term “expectant” means to await something, to anticipate or look forward to an occurrence. It can be something we are looking forward to or even something we are hoping for. I like Merriam-Webster.com’s discussion on the word “expect” and a couple of synonyms:
In what am I hoping?
To whom am I looking?
Actually, I’m using the term “expectant” here in a different line of thought. I heard it on the radio this morning. Normally, I don’t like talkative DJs, especially in the mornings. I listen for music only, and typically I tune the talking out or flip to another station, but today I listened to some DJ chatter for just a couple of moments. K-Love was talking about the term “expectant” and asking what their listeners were expecting this holiday season, and it made me pause and think about it, and I still am. I went straight for my online dictionary this morning...
The term “expectant” means to await something, to anticipate or look forward to an occurrence. It can be something we are looking forward to or even something we are hoping for. I like Merriam-Webster.com’s discussion on the word “expect” and a couple of synonyms:
“EXPECT, HOPE, LOOK mean to await some occurrence or outcome. Expect implies a high degree of certainty and usually involves the idea of preparing or envisioning. Hope implies little certainty but suggests confidence or assurance in the possibility that what one desires or longs for will happen. Look, with to, implies assurance that expectations will be fulfilled; [look] with for it implies less assurance and suggests an attitude of expectancy and watchfulness.”So what am I expecting this holiday season?
In what am I hoping?
To whom am I looking?
Monday, November 22, 2010
Writing My Own Story
I was having a conversation with a colleague the other day, and she commented that she considered me to be an optimistic and upbeat personality. I thanked her for her kind words, but inside other thoughts were churning. Was that really the case? Wasn’t the opposite more apparent in my life as of late? I certainly didn’t feel like I was a Pollyanna.
OK. So I do try to be positive and see the bright side of life, but lately, I’ve been struggling to do so. My silver lining was tainted. My glass was half full, but there was a serious crack along one side, and there was most definitely a leak. The show tunes normally running through my head were less amiable than usual.
I didn’t feel pessimistic. I didn’t feel depressed. I didn’t feel much of anything really. In fact, I wasn’t participating much in my own life. I was watching from the sidelines again or letting my understudy run the show. I don’t know how that happens, but sometimes, I seem to forget that my life is my own story. I’m not just reading a novel where I have no impact on the outcome. No, I’m a pivotal character here, and I need to step in and intervene, change the tone, and make some drastic revisions to my own character before I forget my course.
Now unfortunately, there isn’t time to do a complete edit and re-write the last couple of weeks. I’m left with those filler pages. I can’t erase them completely, but I also can’t wallow or beat myself up about them either. I need to jump back into my story, savor the highs and lows, seek out new characters without forcing clear definitions, actively interact and engage in the other stories around me, and allow GOD to create an even better story line than I could ever imagine.
Hmmmm? I wonder what will happen next? It's rather exciting. Too bad, I can't read ahead...
OK. So I do try to be positive and see the bright side of life, but lately, I’ve been struggling to do so. My silver lining was tainted. My glass was half full, but there was a serious crack along one side, and there was most definitely a leak. The show tunes normally running through my head were less amiable than usual.
I didn’t feel pessimistic. I didn’t feel depressed. I didn’t feel much of anything really. In fact, I wasn’t participating much in my own life. I was watching from the sidelines again or letting my understudy run the show. I don’t know how that happens, but sometimes, I seem to forget that my life is my own story. I’m not just reading a novel where I have no impact on the outcome. No, I’m a pivotal character here, and I need to step in and intervene, change the tone, and make some drastic revisions to my own character before I forget my course.
Now unfortunately, there isn’t time to do a complete edit and re-write the last couple of weeks. I’m left with those filler pages. I can’t erase them completely, but I also can’t wallow or beat myself up about them either. I need to jump back into my story, savor the highs and lows, seek out new characters without forcing clear definitions, actively interact and engage in the other stories around me, and allow GOD to create an even better story line than I could ever imagine.
Hmmmm? I wonder what will happen next? It's rather exciting. Too bad, I can't read ahead...
Monday, October 25, 2010
Saying Thanks
No sooner does GOD mend one area of my life and fill in the gaps than I catch myself bemoaning another area of my life that needs some attention. Now that I’ve happy with one aspect of my life, I’m ready to move on to the next “project” on my wish list that requires some divine intervention. OK, LORD, you took care of that one. Let’s see what you can do with this one over here!
But did I take the time to say thank you?
Did I praise THE ONE who made it all possible?
Sure, I mumbled a few thanks along the way, but did I really take the time to soak it all in and let it ruminate within my soul?
Well, I need to…
10 weeks ago, I stepped out and away from my comfort zone. I’d been attending the same church for nearly 9 years. I had so desperately tried to find my niche of service and to identify with the rest of the church body, but it just wasn’t happening there. I met with leaders and tried to facilitate the changes from within the church while also taking a hard look at my self. I adjusted my attitude, sought out other modes to get involved, tried new avenues of service and prayed long and hard about it, but something wasn’t right. Albert Einstein’s definition of insanity comes to mind: “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” That was me! I was a square peg trying to fit into a round hole. I kept trying to hammer myself to fit in where I wasn’t meant to be, when GOD had something else in mind for me.
GOD led me to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, which shocked some of my family and friends, but I gulped, followed HIS leading and made the switch. I didn’t want to start out in the idle position. I was anxious to just get plugged in, and so I promptly started rehearsing and singing with the Chancel Choir, which spiraled into more opportunities. I got drafted into assisting with a choir fundraiser and then found myself as a co-chair on a committee, which involved a couple of meetings, lots of phone calls and a crop of emails.
I spotted a note in the bulletin for the St. Luke’s 101 course, which provided an introduction to the core beliefs, worship opportunities, outreach ministries, staff members, etc. Honestly, I figured it was too late to get in on the class, but I sent a last minute email anyway, and within hours, I had a voicemail saying that I was enrolled for the class, which began the following day. So off I went into a 6-week course to learn more about the church and other ways I could get involved and join the community of believers HE had brought me into. Each week I have learned more about my new church home and about the numerous ways I can get involved and actively serving. It's been amazing!
I kept meeting more and more people in the church each week as well, whether I was recruiting them to volunteer and sell tickets for our fundraiser, sharing my story of how GOD led me to St. Luke’s with my fellow classmates or mingling with others over donuts between Sunday services. GOD continued to draw me in, and I was overwhelmed with the love and kindness I was experiencing.
And then this past weekend, things all culminated at our choir fundraising event. It was an exhausting, exciting and engaging two evenings, where I had ample time to bond and get to know many other choir members. We talked, laughed, joked and served alongside each other, and I was delighted to be a part of the experience. It was incredible.
I’ve blogged about the family atmosphere within the church choir and how touched I have been by it in the weeks past. But after this weekend, I realized that I am not just watching the family interact from the sidelines any more. I am now a part of that family directly. I’m in. I’m way in, maybe a bit in over my head, but it's all been good. Hee hee!
Yes, I am truly amazed at the transformation GOD has brought into my life in such a short time span. HE has provided for me above and beyond my expectations and continues to surprise me along the journey. And all the glory, honor and praise belong to GOD.
But did I take the time to say thank you?
Did I praise THE ONE who made it all possible?
Sure, I mumbled a few thanks along the way, but did I really take the time to soak it all in and let it ruminate within my soul?
Well, I need to…
10 weeks ago, I stepped out and away from my comfort zone. I’d been attending the same church for nearly 9 years. I had so desperately tried to find my niche of service and to identify with the rest of the church body, but it just wasn’t happening there. I met with leaders and tried to facilitate the changes from within the church while also taking a hard look at my self. I adjusted my attitude, sought out other modes to get involved, tried new avenues of service and prayed long and hard about it, but something wasn’t right. Albert Einstein’s definition of insanity comes to mind: “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” That was me! I was a square peg trying to fit into a round hole. I kept trying to hammer myself to fit in where I wasn’t meant to be, when GOD had something else in mind for me.
GOD led me to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, which shocked some of my family and friends, but I gulped, followed HIS leading and made the switch. I didn’t want to start out in the idle position. I was anxious to just get plugged in, and so I promptly started rehearsing and singing with the Chancel Choir, which spiraled into more opportunities. I got drafted into assisting with a choir fundraiser and then found myself as a co-chair on a committee, which involved a couple of meetings, lots of phone calls and a crop of emails.
I spotted a note in the bulletin for the St. Luke’s 101 course, which provided an introduction to the core beliefs, worship opportunities, outreach ministries, staff members, etc. Honestly, I figured it was too late to get in on the class, but I sent a last minute email anyway, and within hours, I had a voicemail saying that I was enrolled for the class, which began the following day. So off I went into a 6-week course to learn more about the church and other ways I could get involved and join the community of believers HE had brought me into. Each week I have learned more about my new church home and about the numerous ways I can get involved and actively serving. It's been amazing!
I kept meeting more and more people in the church each week as well, whether I was recruiting them to volunteer and sell tickets for our fundraiser, sharing my story of how GOD led me to St. Luke’s with my fellow classmates or mingling with others over donuts between Sunday services. GOD continued to draw me in, and I was overwhelmed with the love and kindness I was experiencing.
And then this past weekend, things all culminated at our choir fundraising event. It was an exhausting, exciting and engaging two evenings, where I had ample time to bond and get to know many other choir members. We talked, laughed, joked and served alongside each other, and I was delighted to be a part of the experience. It was incredible.
I’ve blogged about the family atmosphere within the church choir and how touched I have been by it in the weeks past. But after this weekend, I realized that I am not just watching the family interact from the sidelines any more. I am now a part of that family directly. I’m in. I’m way in, maybe a bit in over my head, but it's all been good. Hee hee!
Yes, I am truly amazed at the transformation GOD has brought into my life in such a short time span. HE has provided for me above and beyond my expectations and continues to surprise me along the journey. And all the glory, honor and praise belong to GOD.
LORD, thank YOU for your timely provision of a new church family, for your abundant grace and mercy in my life, and for your steadfast love and faithful guidance each step of the journey. YOU have blessed me, and I am grateful.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Do You Know Who You Are?
Tenth Avenue North is one of my favorite Christian groups. I love their lyrics, and You Are More from their latest album The Light Meets the Dark is amazing. I love these words...
But don't you know who you are,
What's been done for you?
Yeah don't you know who you are?
You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.
But don't you know who you are,
What's been done for you?
Yeah don't you know who you are?
You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better…
I’m not a big fan of competition normally.
I really don’t like watching sports on TV, unless it is the Olympics, an occasional baseball game or hockey championship. Can’t handle watching football, basketball or golf at all. Although my sister-in-law tells me that I just need the right guy in my life, and I’ll change my tune. We’ll see.
I don’t really care for game shows or so-called reality TV. Over the years, I’ve watched only 1 or 2 episodes of Survivor, America’s Got Talent, Dancing with the Stars or American Idol. And I’m guessing that I was bored, out of options, or not feeling well at the time of said viewing. It’s just not my thing.
I’m not regularly competitive with anyone. OK, so my friend Becky and I joke about competing, but that is just a game. So I really don’t consider myself as a competitive person at all.
However, once in a while, I catch myself comparing my talents with that of another. I’m competing or trying to out-do someone else. I’m measuring up my abilities against their own.
GOD made us each so different from one another. Your gifts and range of abilities is different from mine, and I need to accept that. I need to marvel at the gifts HE has given me and embrace and hone in on those talents I have been blessed with.
So perhaps, I do need a healthy dose of competition in my life – not against others but competition with my self. Not to prove that I can do it or to attempt to meet someone else’s standard. Rather, my aim and hope would be to continually demonstrate the ongoing impact and radical change HE has had upon my life as I reflect HIS grace from my own life into the lives of those around me. Now that's a competitive challenge that intrigues me with endless work to be done, too.
I often return to Thomas Merton's prayer...
I really don’t like watching sports on TV, unless it is the Olympics, an occasional baseball game or hockey championship. Can’t handle watching football, basketball or golf at all. Although my sister-in-law tells me that I just need the right guy in my life, and I’ll change my tune. We’ll see.
I don’t really care for game shows or so-called reality TV. Over the years, I’ve watched only 1 or 2 episodes of Survivor, America’s Got Talent, Dancing with the Stars or American Idol. And I’m guessing that I was bored, out of options, or not feeling well at the time of said viewing. It’s just not my thing.
I’m not regularly competitive with anyone. OK, so my friend Becky and I joke about competing, but that is just a game. So I really don’t consider myself as a competitive person at all.
However, once in a while, I catch myself comparing my talents with that of another. I’m competing or trying to out-do someone else. I’m measuring up my abilities against their own.
I don’t have a lot of readers on my blog. (hint, hint)Who cares? Why do I feel the need to track myself against another? It seems a frivolous task, a complete waste of time. Honestly, I have to laugh at my own pettiness and vanity.
I don’t take inspiring photos like that photographer online.
I don’t have half the talent of the gifted voice behind me in choir.
GOD made us each so different from one another. Your gifts and range of abilities is different from mine, and I need to accept that. I need to marvel at the gifts HE has given me and embrace and hone in on those talents I have been blessed with.
Not so I can compete with others.No, GOD wants me to be the best me possible because I belong to HIM. HE wants all of us to excel and utilize what HE has given us. We are HIS creation, HIS work of art, if you will, and HE wants us to reflect the brilliance and creative genius of the artist. HE wants the glory.
Not so I can toot my own horn.
Not so I can prove I am better than you
So perhaps, I do need a healthy dose of competition in my life – not against others but competition with my self. Not to prove that I can do it or to attempt to meet someone else’s standard. Rather, my aim and hope would be to continually demonstrate the ongoing impact and radical change HE has had upon my life as I reflect HIS grace from my own life into the lives of those around me. Now that's a competitive challenge that intrigues me with endless work to be done, too.
I often return to Thomas Merton's prayer...
My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and will never leave me to face my perils alone..
Monday, October 4, 2010
I Sing a New Song
I’m extremely grateful for my new church choir family. I am. I can’t quite express enough what a difference the last few weeks have made in my life.
I feel loved, accepted and wanted. I feel like I belong.
REHEARSALS: I actually look forward to choir rehearsal on Thursday nights. Seriously, that’s amazing. Thursdays are my last work day of the week, and by Thursday late afternoon, I’m usually pretty tired and ready to crash. My 10-hour work days are catching up with me, and exhaustion is ready to claim me. And yet, I find myself psyched about going to choir and the chance to sing for a couple of hours. I head out the door eager to get there and see my new friends. I feel real joy in singing again.
CO-CHAIR: My co-chair responsibilities for one of our fundraiser teams are going pretty well. Of course, I feel like I’m bumbling along most of the time, but I’m having fun, and I love the spirited personalities around me. I’ve discovered someone who likes details even more than I do, and I love that. I’m in an environment where I can serve, and I can get as active as I feel called to be. I’m a Martha, a doer. I am at my happiest when I can act out my faith in love and service.
RETREAT: We had our annual choir retreat this past Saturday, and it was an incredible experience for this first-timer. I loved singing through the upcoming Christmas program repertoire for the first time. Sure, there is admittedly a lot of work for us over the next couple of months, but it was also exciting to hear and sing new music. Plus, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting more of the choir members and socializing with them. And then at the end of the day, we had a time of worship and communion, which was an incredible way to end our special time together. It was awesome to hear the hearts of my fellow singing family as we shared a time of community around the bread and cup.
All in all, I’m making friends and stepping out of my comfort zone once again. Seriously, I was laughing at myself the other night on my drive home. I was mentally noting how I’m gradually coming out of my shell and letting the real Mel emerge and come out to play. Starting over in a new place isn’t easy, but it’s been much easier than the months before I made this decision and switched churches. Yes, I truly believe that GOD paved the way ahead of time and brought me to St. Luke’s at just the right moment, and HE’s been with me every step of the way – guiding me, coaxing me and, yes, kicking me in the butt just when I needed it the most. HE has me in HIS hands.
I feel loved, accepted and wanted. I feel like I belong.
REHEARSALS: I actually look forward to choir rehearsal on Thursday nights. Seriously, that’s amazing. Thursdays are my last work day of the week, and by Thursday late afternoon, I’m usually pretty tired and ready to crash. My 10-hour work days are catching up with me, and exhaustion is ready to claim me. And yet, I find myself psyched about going to choir and the chance to sing for a couple of hours. I head out the door eager to get there and see my new friends. I feel real joy in singing again.
CO-CHAIR: My co-chair responsibilities for one of our fundraiser teams are going pretty well. Of course, I feel like I’m bumbling along most of the time, but I’m having fun, and I love the spirited personalities around me. I’ve discovered someone who likes details even more than I do, and I love that. I’m in an environment where I can serve, and I can get as active as I feel called to be. I’m a Martha, a doer. I am at my happiest when I can act out my faith in love and service.
RETREAT: We had our annual choir retreat this past Saturday, and it was an incredible experience for this first-timer. I loved singing through the upcoming Christmas program repertoire for the first time. Sure, there is admittedly a lot of work for us over the next couple of months, but it was also exciting to hear and sing new music. Plus, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting more of the choir members and socializing with them. And then at the end of the day, we had a time of worship and communion, which was an incredible way to end our special time together. It was awesome to hear the hearts of my fellow singing family as we shared a time of community around the bread and cup.
All in all, I’m making friends and stepping out of my comfort zone once again. Seriously, I was laughing at myself the other night on my drive home. I was mentally noting how I’m gradually coming out of my shell and letting the real Mel emerge and come out to play. Starting over in a new place isn’t easy, but it’s been much easier than the months before I made this decision and switched churches. Yes, I truly believe that GOD paved the way ahead of time and brought me to St. Luke’s at just the right moment, and HE’s been with me every step of the way – guiding me, coaxing me and, yes, kicking me in the butt just when I needed it the most. HE has me in HIS hands.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Choir Initiation: I'm In
A few weeks ago, I finally made the decision to leave my former church and branch out into another church. Five weeks later, I’m so grateful to GOD for HIS direction and sense of timing. I can say with confidence in HIM that I am where I am supposed to be right now. The Chancel Choir at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church has welcomed in this former Baptist, former Grace Brethren, former non-denominational fundamentalist with open arms and an incredible amount of warmth, grace and kindness.
I love my new choir family. The second sopranos have been an incredible source of encouragement and friendship to this newbie, and the rest of the choir members that I have met thus far have been more of the same. Our choir is 160+ members strong, but it feels like a family, a big extended family.
I love the heart and worshipful atmosphere in our rehearsals and our Sunday mornings together. We end our rehearsals holding hands and joining in prayer together, as we seek our MAKER, CREATOR and SAVIOR. Sunday mornings are a flurry of activity as we dress in our robes, do a final rehearsal and prepare for the worship service, but our director always brings us back to the object of our worship, our GOD, before we make our way to the platform. I’ve never experienced such a worshipful atmosphere in any choir I have ever sung with.
I love the action and the drive to serve together, both within the choir members and the heart of the church itself. There are so many opportunities to get involved and serve within the church community that it’s hard to just pick something and dig in. I was feeling a bit intimidated. I told my friend Barb that I needed to get involved on one of the teams or committees within the choir. Next thing I knew, I was being recruited to serve on a committee for a special project. And thus, yours truly is now a co-chair on a program/promotion/ticket committee for a fundraising event in October. Talk about ironic. For years, I've been struggling about using the spiritual gifts that GOD has given me, and so it's very humbling to see HIM bring HIS plans forward and specifically place me where HE can use my talents for HIS glory.
Yes, I’m enjoying my new experiences, friends and service at St. Luke’s UMC, and I’m excited to see what GOD will do next.
I love my new choir family. The second sopranos have been an incredible source of encouragement and friendship to this newbie, and the rest of the choir members that I have met thus far have been more of the same. Our choir is 160+ members strong, but it feels like a family, a big extended family.
I love the heart and worshipful atmosphere in our rehearsals and our Sunday mornings together. We end our rehearsals holding hands and joining in prayer together, as we seek our MAKER, CREATOR and SAVIOR. Sunday mornings are a flurry of activity as we dress in our robes, do a final rehearsal and prepare for the worship service, but our director always brings us back to the object of our worship, our GOD, before we make our way to the platform. I’ve never experienced such a worshipful atmosphere in any choir I have ever sung with.
I love the action and the drive to serve together, both within the choir members and the heart of the church itself. There are so many opportunities to get involved and serve within the church community that it’s hard to just pick something and dig in. I was feeling a bit intimidated. I told my friend Barb that I needed to get involved on one of the teams or committees within the choir. Next thing I knew, I was being recruited to serve on a committee for a special project. And thus, yours truly is now a co-chair on a program/promotion/ticket committee for a fundraising event in October. Talk about ironic. For years, I've been struggling about using the spiritual gifts that GOD has given me, and so it's very humbling to see HIM bring HIS plans forward and specifically place me where HE can use my talents for HIS glory.
Yes, I’m enjoying my new experiences, friends and service at St. Luke’s UMC, and I’m excited to see what GOD will do next.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
What a Great Sunday Looks Like
Two momentous things happened on Sunday.
1. In the morning, I sang in the St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Chancel Choir for 2 services without tripping on the stage or bursting into song out of turn. For weeks, I had envisioned myself tripping on the stage as we walked up or down the stairs there, but I had a successful “premiere,” as it were, and am pleased that there was no reportable incident to relate. And while I can read music just fine, I was also worried that I would over-zealously sing out before it was time for the second soprano’s cue, and so I was relieved that didn’t happen either. YES. It was a success. I am really enjoying my choir adventures. At first it was a bit overwhelming that our choir is 160+ people strong. That is bigger than the church I grew up in, in total, but I am loving the family atmosphere, generous spirit and encouragement that I have encountered in every rehearsal and this our first Sunday together. I’m curious what GOD has in store next.
2. Becky and I proved once and for all that we were correct in not pursuing our tween year fantasies of taking Wimbledon by storm. Boris Becker has no idea how he fueled our dreams once upon a time. (sigh!) Anyway, we spent an exhausting hour on the courts Sunday evening, and while Becky was rather brilliant in comparison to yours truly, neither of us are bound for tennis stardom. We had one decent volley of 8 or 9 shots, I think. After which, Becky asked if we should start keeping score, and I declared a hearty, “No way, unless you want to keep track of all the balls we are hitting outside of the gated court.” Naturally, I would have won that competition since I am known for my lack of control when hitting the ball, and I was up about 9 to 1 at that time. HA! So we’re not going pro any time soon, but we still got a good workout, and most importantly, we had fun out there.
1. In the morning, I sang in the St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Chancel Choir for 2 services without tripping on the stage or bursting into song out of turn. For weeks, I had envisioned myself tripping on the stage as we walked up or down the stairs there, but I had a successful “premiere,” as it were, and am pleased that there was no reportable incident to relate. And while I can read music just fine, I was also worried that I would over-zealously sing out before it was time for the second soprano’s cue, and so I was relieved that didn’t happen either. YES. It was a success. I am really enjoying my choir adventures. At first it was a bit overwhelming that our choir is 160+ people strong. That is bigger than the church I grew up in, in total, but I am loving the family atmosphere, generous spirit and encouragement that I have encountered in every rehearsal and this our first Sunday together. I’m curious what GOD has in store next.
2. Becky and I proved once and for all that we were correct in not pursuing our tween year fantasies of taking Wimbledon by storm. Boris Becker has no idea how he fueled our dreams once upon a time. (sigh!) Anyway, we spent an exhausting hour on the courts Sunday evening, and while Becky was rather brilliant in comparison to yours truly, neither of us are bound for tennis stardom. We had one decent volley of 8 or 9 shots, I think. After which, Becky asked if we should start keeping score, and I declared a hearty, “No way, unless you want to keep track of all the balls we are hitting outside of the gated court.” Naturally, I would have won that competition since I am known for my lack of control when hitting the ball, and I was up about 9 to 1 at that time. HA! So we’re not going pro any time soon, but we still got a good workout, and most importantly, we had fun out there.
Monday, August 30, 2010
HE Just Said, "Follow ME"
I have switched gears officially now and am attending a completely new church for me, not to mention a new denomination. It’s all rather exciting and intriguing for me, albeit a bit shocking for my parents. I think they are concerned I’ll lose all of my fundamentalist upbringing, but these dear people I am now worshiping with are ALSO part of the body of Christ, and I feel very strongly that GOD led me there.
Yesterday’s message was on how JESUS called HIS disciples by simply telling them to follow HIM. There was no formal process of church membership, no charter or constitution to wade through, no 5-bullet points, no lists of do's or don'ts, no debate on modes of baptism or how to do communion. JESUS just sought HIS disciples out and said, “Follow ME," and they did.
Why don’t we do more of THAT?
Why don’t we simply follow HIM, the MASTER and TEACHER?
I love how the majority of the first apostles were NOT elitist or part of the upper echelon of society. They were common folk, less educated and rough. They were hardy fishermen and blue-collar workers, and yet look at how GOD used them to ignite our world. WOW! It’s rather humbling and perhaps a little bit scary to realize that HE wants the same of each one of us. HE just says, “Follow ME.”
How would our current world change if more of us did just what HE asked?
Yesterday’s message was on how JESUS called HIS disciples by simply telling them to follow HIM. There was no formal process of church membership, no charter or constitution to wade through, no 5-bullet points, no lists of do's or don'ts, no debate on modes of baptism or how to do communion. JESUS just sought HIS disciples out and said, “Follow ME," and they did.
Why don’t we do more of THAT?
Why don’t we simply follow HIM, the MASTER and TEACHER?
I love how the majority of the first apostles were NOT elitist or part of the upper echelon of society. They were common folk, less educated and rough. They were hardy fishermen and blue-collar workers, and yet look at how GOD used them to ignite our world. WOW! It’s rather humbling and perhaps a little bit scary to realize that HE wants the same of each one of us. HE just says, “Follow ME.”
How would our current world change if more of us did just what HE asked?
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Part 3: Stretching Out
Three years ago, after months of praying and struggling, I left my church and went out searching for something more. I wallowed a wee bit (I confess), visited other churches, and 12+ months later, came back to my former church determined to make a fresh start.
I immediately tried to get busy serving and doing. I’m a doer, one of those people that can’t just sit still. I’m a Martha. I had struggled to get involved in the church ministries in the past and thought that the church membership class might help me get more involved. I enrolled and took a spiritual gift surveys. I guess I should NOT have been surprised at the results, but I was disheartened to discover my gifts nonetheless. My top 2 gifts were leadership and administration. Not missions or evangelism. Not teaching or serving. No. GOD didn’t make me that way. Fact is that GOD made me to lead, organize and direct. Those are my gifts, and I’ve struggled to embrace them as a woman, especially in church.
Armed with the spiritual gift knowledge, I tried to get involved in the church ministries again, but alas with the same results as before. So I decided to look elsewhere and get actively serving outside the church. I joined up with LDM (Lutheran Disability Ministries) for 5 weekend SonRise Retreats from November through April and loved it. My spirit soared as I rediscovered what “church” should look like – a community, a family of believers coming together out of the bonds of sin and into the arms of Christ to serve together and spread the light of the Gospel in both word and deed. I experienced more community in those weekends working mostly with high schoolers and college age adults than I had encountered in years of attending church.
Then a friend suggested I join her and some of her fellow choir members for monthly hymn sing-a-longs at an area senior living center, and I decided to try it out once and loved it and kept going back for more. Again, here was community in action - a community of senior citizen saints that included me! I was blown away by what GOD was revealing to me and teaching me outside my own concept of church.
I was glad to be actively serving again, but I was struggling with my own church again, and I found myself right back where I started 2 years ago. If I couldn’t find ways to serve at my church and couldn’t find avenues of fellowship there, was worship truly reason enough to keep going? What's that saying about trying the same thing over and over, hoping to get new results? AHEM!
I debated for months and wrestled with GOD about it, but HE just wouldn’t let it go. My friends thoughtfully listened to me and encouraged me. My parents lovingly counseled and prayed with me. And finally, I faced facts. For whatever reason, I have not been able to settle down in my current church assembly, and it is time to move on. I believe that GOD wants to use me elsewhere.
My friend encouraged me to join her church choir and sing with them on a regular basis. This is the same friend that got me singing at the senior center. It sounded great, but I wasn’t sure I could make the switch. I was raised Baptist and was going to a conservative non-denominational church that was once aligned with Baptists, and so attending a Methodist church seemed like a pretty big stretch.
One day my sister shared her own family’s struggles with finding a church and said: “Attending church isn’t like a marriage, Mel. You aren’t committed for life.” I thought long and hard about what my sister said and about all the ways GOD had been leading me over the past few years in such unconventional styles. HE has stretched me, broadened my horizons and broken down my reserves. It’s been quite an adventure, and now I feel HE is leading me into another one.
I don’t know what the future holds, but this is just one step along the path. I'm just following the LEADER, and we'll see where HE takes me. Here I go…
I immediately tried to get busy serving and doing. I’m a doer, one of those people that can’t just sit still. I’m a Martha. I had struggled to get involved in the church ministries in the past and thought that the church membership class might help me get more involved. I enrolled and took a spiritual gift surveys. I guess I should NOT have been surprised at the results, but I was disheartened to discover my gifts nonetheless. My top 2 gifts were leadership and administration. Not missions or evangelism. Not teaching or serving. No. GOD didn’t make me that way. Fact is that GOD made me to lead, organize and direct. Those are my gifts, and I’ve struggled to embrace them as a woman, especially in church.
Armed with the spiritual gift knowledge, I tried to get involved in the church ministries again, but alas with the same results as before. So I decided to look elsewhere and get actively serving outside the church. I joined up with LDM (Lutheran Disability Ministries) for 5 weekend SonRise Retreats from November through April and loved it. My spirit soared as I rediscovered what “church” should look like – a community, a family of believers coming together out of the bonds of sin and into the arms of Christ to serve together and spread the light of the Gospel in both word and deed. I experienced more community in those weekends working mostly with high schoolers and college age adults than I had encountered in years of attending church.
Then a friend suggested I join her and some of her fellow choir members for monthly hymn sing-a-longs at an area senior living center, and I decided to try it out once and loved it and kept going back for more. Again, here was community in action - a community of senior citizen saints that included me! I was blown away by what GOD was revealing to me and teaching me outside my own concept of church.
I was glad to be actively serving again, but I was struggling with my own church again, and I found myself right back where I started 2 years ago. If I couldn’t find ways to serve at my church and couldn’t find avenues of fellowship there, was worship truly reason enough to keep going? What's that saying about trying the same thing over and over, hoping to get new results? AHEM!
I debated for months and wrestled with GOD about it, but HE just wouldn’t let it go. My friends thoughtfully listened to me and encouraged me. My parents lovingly counseled and prayed with me. And finally, I faced facts. For whatever reason, I have not been able to settle down in my current church assembly, and it is time to move on. I believe that GOD wants to use me elsewhere.
My friend encouraged me to join her church choir and sing with them on a regular basis. This is the same friend that got me singing at the senior center. It sounded great, but I wasn’t sure I could make the switch. I was raised Baptist and was going to a conservative non-denominational church that was once aligned with Baptists, and so attending a Methodist church seemed like a pretty big stretch.
One day my sister shared her own family’s struggles with finding a church and said: “Attending church isn’t like a marriage, Mel. You aren’t committed for life.” I thought long and hard about what my sister said and about all the ways GOD had been leading me over the past few years in such unconventional styles. HE has stretched me, broadened my horizons and broken down my reserves. It’s been quite an adventure, and now I feel HE is leading me into another one.
I don’t know what the future holds, but this is just one step along the path. I'm just following the LEADER, and we'll see where HE takes me. Here I go…
Part 2: Admitting Flaws
OK, I admit that I’m not perfect. I’m completely and heartily flawed, and some of the loneliness I have experienced in church is my own doing. I got burned a couple of times and simply stopped trying. I gave up. Plus, I had my own baggage, and that was probably the root of my problem.
I was jealous of what those paired off people had. I wanted to belong to another person myself. Most singles do. Most of us aren’t single by choice. Fact is that I have yet to turn down a marriage proposal. HA!
I didn’t like the fact that a whole month of services was dedicated to marriage and the family. I didn’t have a family or the marriage, and so I sat through the sermons for a year or two, but then I bailed out each year afterwards. It didn’t apply to me. After all, where were the sermons on singleness or sexual purity? Fact is I didn’t want to spend a whole month studying something I wanted and didn’t have. It sounded like torture!
I was distracted and ticked off when I would sit behind a couple that were massaging each other in the service. I was irritated with their inappropriate behavior, and I struggled to concentrate on the message. Fact is that I wanted someone rubbing my back, too.
I got tired of answering the same questions all over again: why aren’t you married, have you ever been married, aren’t you dating? So I started getting creative with my responses. Sarcasm became my ally, and I let bitterness take over at times. Fact is that I was annoyed with my single status, annoyed that no one had my back, annoyed that GOD didn’t write me a personal letter explaining my single status so that I could hand out copies when asked.
I secretly envied the newly engaged couples and the wives with their sparkly anniversary rings. I struggled to relate to the housewives and soccer moms. I didn’t understand spouses complaining over dirty laundry on the floor, home improvement projects, or lack of alone time. Fact is that my desire for marriage and my idolatry of the same tainted my views of their situations, and I wasn’t always good friend material.
I can readily admit that part of my church issues and struggles have been my own self. AND I CAN DO BETTER. I know I can. I still can. I wasn't content with the status quo then and I'm not now either, something’s gotta give...
I was jealous of what those paired off people had. I wanted to belong to another person myself. Most singles do. Most of us aren’t single by choice. Fact is that I have yet to turn down a marriage proposal. HA!
I didn’t like the fact that a whole month of services was dedicated to marriage and the family. I didn’t have a family or the marriage, and so I sat through the sermons for a year or two, but then I bailed out each year afterwards. It didn’t apply to me. After all, where were the sermons on singleness or sexual purity? Fact is I didn’t want to spend a whole month studying something I wanted and didn’t have. It sounded like torture!
I was distracted and ticked off when I would sit behind a couple that were massaging each other in the service. I was irritated with their inappropriate behavior, and I struggled to concentrate on the message. Fact is that I wanted someone rubbing my back, too.
I got tired of answering the same questions all over again: why aren’t you married, have you ever been married, aren’t you dating? So I started getting creative with my responses. Sarcasm became my ally, and I let bitterness take over at times. Fact is that I was annoyed with my single status, annoyed that no one had my back, annoyed that GOD didn’t write me a personal letter explaining my single status so that I could hand out copies when asked.
I secretly envied the newly engaged couples and the wives with their sparkly anniversary rings. I struggled to relate to the housewives and soccer moms. I didn’t understand spouses complaining over dirty laundry on the floor, home improvement projects, or lack of alone time. Fact is that my desire for marriage and my idolatry of the same tainted my views of their situations, and I wasn’t always good friend material.
I can readily admit that part of my church issues and struggles have been my own self. AND I CAN DO BETTER. I know I can. I still can. I wasn't content with the status quo then and I'm not now either, something’s gotta give...
Part 1: Churching Singles
My friend Stephanie once shared a quote with me, and those words have stuck with me over the years: “Church is the loneliest place for a single woman.” I don’t know who originated those words, but I believe them to be true with all my heart.
I’ve battled the loneliness myself. It takes a lot out of a person to attend week after week alone. I pump myself up on the drive to church with worship tunes and arrive in the sanctuary with my spirits high. I search out a familiar face, in hopes of sitting with a friend and often do, but I also long to meet other people and expand my circle of friends. I seek out more accountability not less. I want to build on my connections and mingle with other singles and married couples alike.
I’m a pretty friendly person, and I love meeting new people. Normally, I don’t mind starting conversations with complete strangers, but over the years, I’ve become intimidated to do so in my own church. I’ve had people shut down the conversation and look for someone else (anyone else) to talk to when they found out I was single. Literally, I’ve seen the light go out of their eyes and watched them scan the horizon for someone else to talk to. It is as if upon learning that my marital status was at empty, meant that the conversation or burgeoning friendship could go no further. FULL STOP! She’s single, hence we have nothing in common – walk away quickly. HA!
I attended a singles Sunday school class, but it was not for me. It felt more like a college age class, and I felt too old and grown up there. Yet somehow, I didn’t feel gutsy enough to try the other class for singles or newly singles where the median age was about 15-20 years older than I was either.
I volunteered in the nursery and child care ministries for a while, but unfortunately, I’d usually end up missing all of 3 services because of a lack of workers, or I’d make it to the last service after the worship had ended. It was discouraging.
I joined a small group Bible study for a few months. Here I thought I could really get to know the people in my church, but it didn’t work out that way. I was too different. I tried to get to know the couples in our group through conversations, but no one would really talk to me. In fact, I’d often feel like everyone was talking around me. I was the odd ball out. I didn’t come as part of a matching pair, and apparently this party was for complete sets only.
I tried some of the ladies only events at church. We are all women after all, and so it should be easy to make conversation, right? Oddly enough, it was much more difficult than I thought it would be. The singles and married women didn’t mingle all that much at those functions, and when I tried to start a conversation, that “shut down” mode thing happened again when I explained that I wasn’t married, didn’t have kids, didn’t drive a mini van, etc. Suddenly, they saw their dear friend so-and-so across the room and needed to go catch up with her. It was frustrating because deep down I knew that we might have much more in common if both of us could just stop getting hung up on my empty ring finger.
As for the single men, well, it’s hard to meet them at church when most of the Christian men of my acquaintance that are my age or older have dropped out of church altogether. Sadly, I know so many great single guys that are absent from the church. Perhaps they found it a lonely place to be, too, and opted for other outlets to meet their social and spiritual needs.
Personally, I have found it hard to acknowledge how lonely it can be out there in the church without sounding like I am complaining or whining, but I’ve encountered other singles that have felt the same, and so I know I’m not alone. There are more of us puzzle pieces longing to fill in the blanks, but we find that we don’t fit into the bigger picture. In a way, we’re aliens living in a sea of matching units. We’re not wired the same way. We’re not part of a matching set or even a clique. Yep, we’re broken and incomplete, but in fact, aren’t we all?
Now I know that there is no church here that will ever be a perfect fit. I’m just not gonna find it this side of Heaven, but I firmly believe…WAIT! Let me rephrase that: I KNOW WE (as the CHURCH) CAN DO BETTER!
I’ve battled the loneliness myself. It takes a lot out of a person to attend week after week alone. I pump myself up on the drive to church with worship tunes and arrive in the sanctuary with my spirits high. I search out a familiar face, in hopes of sitting with a friend and often do, but I also long to meet other people and expand my circle of friends. I seek out more accountability not less. I want to build on my connections and mingle with other singles and married couples alike.
I’m a pretty friendly person, and I love meeting new people. Normally, I don’t mind starting conversations with complete strangers, but over the years, I’ve become intimidated to do so in my own church. I’ve had people shut down the conversation and look for someone else (anyone else) to talk to when they found out I was single. Literally, I’ve seen the light go out of their eyes and watched them scan the horizon for someone else to talk to. It is as if upon learning that my marital status was at empty, meant that the conversation or burgeoning friendship could go no further. FULL STOP! She’s single, hence we have nothing in common – walk away quickly. HA!
I attended a singles Sunday school class, but it was not for me. It felt more like a college age class, and I felt too old and grown up there. Yet somehow, I didn’t feel gutsy enough to try the other class for singles or newly singles where the median age was about 15-20 years older than I was either.
I volunteered in the nursery and child care ministries for a while, but unfortunately, I’d usually end up missing all of 3 services because of a lack of workers, or I’d make it to the last service after the worship had ended. It was discouraging.
I joined a small group Bible study for a few months. Here I thought I could really get to know the people in my church, but it didn’t work out that way. I was too different. I tried to get to know the couples in our group through conversations, but no one would really talk to me. In fact, I’d often feel like everyone was talking around me. I was the odd ball out. I didn’t come as part of a matching pair, and apparently this party was for complete sets only.
I tried some of the ladies only events at church. We are all women after all, and so it should be easy to make conversation, right? Oddly enough, it was much more difficult than I thought it would be. The singles and married women didn’t mingle all that much at those functions, and when I tried to start a conversation, that “shut down” mode thing happened again when I explained that I wasn’t married, didn’t have kids, didn’t drive a mini van, etc. Suddenly, they saw their dear friend so-and-so across the room and needed to go catch up with her. It was frustrating because deep down I knew that we might have much more in common if both of us could just stop getting hung up on my empty ring finger.
As for the single men, well, it’s hard to meet them at church when most of the Christian men of my acquaintance that are my age or older have dropped out of church altogether. Sadly, I know so many great single guys that are absent from the church. Perhaps they found it a lonely place to be, too, and opted for other outlets to meet their social and spiritual needs.
Personally, I have found it hard to acknowledge how lonely it can be out there in the church without sounding like I am complaining or whining, but I’ve encountered other singles that have felt the same, and so I know I’m not alone. There are more of us puzzle pieces longing to fill in the blanks, but we find that we don’t fit into the bigger picture. In a way, we’re aliens living in a sea of matching units. We’re not wired the same way. We’re not part of a matching set or even a clique. Yep, we’re broken and incomplete, but in fact, aren’t we all?
Now I know that there is no church here that will ever be a perfect fit. I’m just not gonna find it this side of Heaven, but I firmly believe…WAIT! Let me rephrase that: I KNOW WE (as the CHURCH) CAN DO BETTER!
Monday, July 19, 2010
The End Will Justify the Pain...
We’ve all heard that old saying about “the end will justify the means,” right? Well, this morning, I was struggling to wake up, and so I popped in my ear buds and started jamming to tunes as I started my work day. Music always seems to help, and the lyrics to Relient K’s song Let It All Out offered a stunning twist to that archaic saying. I guess I just caught the meaning of the words for the first time:
If the burden seems too much to bear,I love it. Check it out.
remember the end will justify the pain it took to get us there...
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Addicted to the Supernatural
I love books, movies and TV shows with vampires, werewolves, immortals, wizardry, magic, etc. Always have. What is the appeal to the unexplained and the fantastical? What draws me into the mystical realm?
Now some may be concerned at my interest in what they term as "darkness." I disagree. I think it is only natural that the supernatural, the mysterious and the unfathomable calls out to me. After all, I belong to the Great I AM, and HE is full of mystery and intrigue. HE is the author of it, and my life, my very existence is intertwined with the unexplained.
GOD created the universe in 6 days. No matter what you classify as the “6 days of creation,” it makes no difference to me. I’m not here to debate you. What I know for sure is that HE formed our world and everything in it. HE created the atom and the inner workings of the human body, he formed the sky and the oceans, he placed the stars and planets and molded the sun. Scientists keep trying to find the end of our universe, but there is always more to be found. And HE did it all in 6 days. Who is more supernatural than HE is?
GOD is full of imagination and power, more than I can fathom. HE is a master storyteller, and Hollywood writers have nothing on HIM. The Bible is full of stories describing HIS supremacy and creative energy. HE brought a flood on the whole earth, HE parted the Red Sea, and HE created the seraphim with their several pairs of wings and lots of eyes. Who is more magical than HE?
GOD loves us. HE sent HIS SON to earth to take on the form of a man so that HE could one day lay HIS life down to save us. No mere mortal could come up with such an awesome, complex plot. What is more baffling, more mind-twisting than the love of GOD? And HIS love for us causes HIM to seek us out. Yes, the GOD of the universe wants a relationship with us, and HE pursues us. What could be more mystical that that?
Sin severed the communion between GOD and mankind. We were torn from the mystical presence of THE MOST HIGH, and our souls yearn for the ultimate reunion with HIM. Is it any wonder then that the supernatural, the magical and the fantastical appeals to me? It's no great mystery really. It's all in my genetics.
Now some may be concerned at my interest in what they term as "darkness." I disagree. I think it is only natural that the supernatural, the mysterious and the unfathomable calls out to me. After all, I belong to the Great I AM, and HE is full of mystery and intrigue. HE is the author of it, and my life, my very existence is intertwined with the unexplained.
GOD created the universe in 6 days. No matter what you classify as the “6 days of creation,” it makes no difference to me. I’m not here to debate you. What I know for sure is that HE formed our world and everything in it. HE created the atom and the inner workings of the human body, he formed the sky and the oceans, he placed the stars and planets and molded the sun. Scientists keep trying to find the end of our universe, but there is always more to be found. And HE did it all in 6 days. Who is more supernatural than HE is?
GOD is full of imagination and power, more than I can fathom. HE is a master storyteller, and Hollywood writers have nothing on HIM. The Bible is full of stories describing HIS supremacy and creative energy. HE brought a flood on the whole earth, HE parted the Red Sea, and HE created the seraphim with their several pairs of wings and lots of eyes. Who is more magical than HE?
GOD loves us. HE sent HIS SON to earth to take on the form of a man so that HE could one day lay HIS life down to save us. No mere mortal could come up with such an awesome, complex plot. What is more baffling, more mind-twisting than the love of GOD? And HIS love for us causes HIM to seek us out. Yes, the GOD of the universe wants a relationship with us, and HE pursues us. What could be more mystical that that?
Sin severed the communion between GOD and mankind. We were torn from the mystical presence of THE MOST HIGH, and our souls yearn for the ultimate reunion with HIM. Is it any wonder then that the supernatural, the magical and the fantastical appeals to me? It's no great mystery really. It's all in my genetics.
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