Finding my Church Home

Hello,

It's funny. All week long I think of things that I want to blog about, and then when it's time to sit and write my mind goes blank.

This week was a good and confusing week for me. Before I moved back I struggled with which direction I would lean. Would I go back to my Charlotte church or would I search for a new church? There were a couple that I possibly wanted to check out.

Last week I went to my former church because it fit my time frame. I cried the whole time I was there. I felt like I had come home. Now since I had left back in 2007 several things had changed, but a lot was still the same.

I missed it a lot. Even though I have enjoyed the non-denominational churches, I have missed it. Now this church has a traditional service at 8:30 and a contemporary at 11. I only went to the contemporary once when I was here the first time. I like 8:30, but I would like to check out the 11 and see how it feels for me now.

This week started the Sunday School classes. I didn't know which to start with ( I didn't see the list). So I literally just walked into the Parlor and asked if I could join. I learned that this particular class would be a dvd and discussion group. As it filled up I felt the love and the welcoming. I recognized a few people and it was nice to meet some new people. I was excited to have the discussion.

One of the things that I miss is the liturgical discussions. That means a lot to me. I also love how community involved my former church is. Love thy neighbors. I felt like there was no discussion. I found my church. Hopefully the contemporary service will be the combo that I need.

And then yesterday I was in the locker room at the gym and a woman was getting ready at the mirror. She had music playing. It was one of my favorite song's "Glory is Yours". I mentioned that it's my favorite. And then she asked if I go to a church that I had been considering visiting. I still want to visit. Maybe I can go there once a month or double dip on Sundays.

In the meantime, I will be diving in and soaking up as much as I can.

*****

An update to a previous post about music: if you get a chance to listen to Brad & Rebekkah please do. They are on Youtube, itunes, and Amazon. They sing at my Aunt's church regularly and they are just wonderful.

*****

The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
-Mark 12:31

Being a Christian Model

Hello,

So we are now finished week 2 of my new Bible Study. I am so glad that I was invited to participate. I am getting a lot out of it.

We are studying Thessalonians. One of the things we are focusing on is the use of the terms: We, You, and They. Who do they represent. Thessalonians is a letter written by Paul, Silas and Timothy to the Church (believers). It is to encourage them. For as believers we should imitate God and provide models for others' behavior.

I am so glad we are doing this. I think about this every day. I try very hard to be a Christian model for others. Gone are the days of heavy drinking. Gone are the days of watching morally irresponsible television shows and movies. Gone are the days of gossip. Gone are the days of bad mouthing others.  Gone are the days of foul language. Gone is the negativity.

On more than one occasion someone has told me that one of the things they like about me is that I don't have a bad thing to say about anyone else and that I am always positive. I am very proud of that. Sometimes I slip, I am human, but for the most part I am able to stop myself before I say something bad. And then I ask God for forgiveness for thinking it.

My Christian Faith has grown so much over the years. I used to be a quiet closet Christian. I didn't talk openly about my faith. Now you'll be hard pressed to get me to stop. Because part of being a Christian is to testify. I used to think that was a horrible phrase. People get so offended by that. But, there is more than one way to do it.

I don't approach people and ask if they believe in Jesus Christ and tell them they are going to hell if they don't. In my opinion, that's not going to get a lot of positive responses. No, instead I just openly talk about my faith and church. I'm not going to reach everybody, but if seeing and hearing how much peace and joy I get from it leads one person to a personal relationship with God, then I have done my job.

When we were leaving tonight they asked if we lead a life that others can imitate. I am proud to say yes.

*****

And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.

-1 Thessalonians 1: 6-8

My Daily Prayers

Hello,

I pray all day long. For me it's more of just having a conversation with God. That works for me, but sometimes I wish words could come to me like they do other people.

I know you shouldn't be jealous of other people, but I am. When someone says "Let's pray" and then the most melodious words come effortlessly out of their mouth, I wish it was me.

I have a little OCD so my daily prayers are pretty routine. I start with the Lord's Prayer.

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and forever.

It's a good guide for me.

The first people I pray for are those who are lost. I ask God to help find their way to them. And then I give Him a list of the people I would like to help guide to Him.

Next I pray for those who are fighting for our country. I pray for their safety and that their leaders make the right decision.

Then I pray for those who are sick or suffering. I pray that they can heal and that their suffering will ease. And then I give Him a list of people that I care about that need healing.

Next I pray for our World leaders. I pray that they turn to Him for answers and guidance.

Then I pray for those who are battling addiction. I pray that they turn to Him instead of their addiction.

And finally I pray for me. I pray for His guidance every day to make the decisions that He wants me to make. I pray for patience and not to let others get to me. I pray for strength to fight the Devil. He pops up every day and it's not always easy to walk away.

And then I Thank Him for everything. I thank Him for my friends and family. I thank Him for Choosing me to believe in Him. I thank Him for all that he has done for me. For being with me at my darkest times. For being with me at my most joyous times. I thank Him for loving me.

These are my prayers in the morning and when I am in bed at night.

For the rest of the day I talk to God like He is in the car with me.  Sometimes it's out loud. Luckily for bluetooth it no longer looks like I'm talking to myself.

I also pray that one day the words will flow from my mouth with the grace that they do from others.

*****

"And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

-Matthew 21:22

You hurt me. I want you to hurt.

Hello,

I am a Christian. I am a Nice Person. I am a fairly positive person. I am a compassionate person. I am a sympathetic person. So why is it that there are some people that just bring out a rage in me that I really don't like?

I am not kidding. There is a rage. Even thinking about that person makes my blood pressure rise. It takes me a while to calm down. I never wish harm on anyone. I don't. But, sometimes a little discomfort maybe.

You hurt me. I want you to hurt.

This is a normal reaction. Immediately after I feel this rage I always sit and pray for them and for me. I pray for the strength not to let them get to me. I pray that I can forgive.  I pray for them that they may find peace with God. No matter how much they hurt me or angered me, I won't let them win.

It is a rage. It's not just me being upset and angry.  I want to punch something. I want to kick something. I want to damage something. I am able to control it, but it eats me up inside.

Now before you get worried about me, this is not an every day thing. It's sporadic. It happens every once in a while. I have managed to distance myself from these people, but not gone completely.

I thank God every day for choosing me. If I did not have God in my life, I shudder to think how I would respond.

So do what you want to me, but I will not let you break me. God is on my side. I will just pray with him that you let him into your life. It's so worth it!

*****

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
-Matthew 6: 14-15