Weekends

Weekends are tough. Wade's work schedule is such now that he has to work Saturdays and Sundays, AND doesn't get home until after 6:15 or so. I dread weekends. I pray my way through them. Yesterday I was Demon Mama, though. Screamed at my kids and then had to ask for forgiveness. We had a lesson in "in your anger, do not sin," with me as the example of what NOT to do.

We usually try to go to church Saturday nights, with Wade now having to meet us there late when he gets off of work. Last night we didn't make it at all. So this morning, 4 kids or not, I decided I needed to be at church. So we went. Glad we did. So thankful for a church where truth is spoken, and communicated in such a way that God's Word seems fresh and new each time you hear it. It's not about being entertained, or just feeling good in the midst of my favorite music though--in fact, often the styles or songs may not even be my favorite. But it's about bringing my mind and heart before God, offering Him a sacrifice of praise and waiting expectantly for Him to meet me where I'm at. So that's what I did. And He met me.

Authentic Christianity

"Religion is man-centered, focused on accomplishment and resulting in pride.
Authentic Christianity, however, is God-centered, focusing on humility and resulting in grace from God."

~Pastor Larry Szyman, Faith Community Church
October 4, 2008


So true...so why is this such a struggle for us as a people? Why do we so often get it backwards? What are your thoughts?

No to the Status Quo

"Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom...And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
~ Colossians 3:16a-17

We attended The Well last night for the first time. It's an alternative service that our church offers, geared toward the 20-something generation. It was right up our alley, though. (Reminded me of our church in Indiana, too, which we still miss dearly.) Needless to say, we loved it.

I was struck by Dave's message...he spoke on the power of God's Word, and the richness it brings when we feed on it as if our lives depend on it--because they do.

Dave shared how he loves to gather all kinds of facts--world news, current events and the like. During a deep conversation at our church's marriage retreat this weekend, his wife Nicky told him that, as impressed as she might be with all he knows, none of that really matters to her. What she really wants more than anything is to have their lives more and more infused with God's truth. To have their children see that God is in all of life. He is life. His Word is life. Specifically, she also wants to hear His Word spoken constantly in their home. Me too.

It has been the cry of my heart for as long as I can remember that my life would reflect Christ in every aspect, and that everything I say and do would honor Him and point others in the direction of knowing Him better. Lofty goal, but I know it's what God wants for us. Oh how I long to be more like my Father, and at times wish I saw more progress than tiny baby steps--steps that sometimes even seem to go backwards!

Periodically, I am struck by the fact that I do not want to settle for the status quo. Nice house, nice kids, good job, etc. Do I long for a real house rather than a town home with no yard? Absolutely. But I want more. I want my life to really count for the Kingdom. I want my conversations to encourage and uplift--and point others to the God who loves them. And I want to leave a legacy for my children, one where they see that God is not something we "do" on Sundays. One where they see their parents--though imperfect & real--as people who wanted to serve God more than anything. People who weren't afraid to stand up for truth no matter what it might cost. People who chose to spend their time seeking righteousness--refusing to take part in so much of the perverted ugliness the world has to offer. Bottom line: I don't want to be just another family that attends church, but nothing is different in the way that they live, think, or speak. I see far too many families like this and I want none of it.

At our church in Indiana, Granger Community Church, a common phrase we heard was "Just do the next right thing." Lord, here I am. Show me what that is. I believe becoming a doula is part of that next right thing. And often the next right thing is simply being faithful to honor my husband and love my children. But show me if there is something more specific--any changes You'd like me to make in my role as wife, mother, or friend. I am Yours. Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.