Finding Church, again :: 3

Guess what arrived via mail?




When Joanne previewed her book on her blog I immediately raised my hand to preview it. If you've read my post 1 and post 2, you know that finding a church has been on my mind. With finding a church brings inviting God into my daily life. I'm not sure that I am completely comfortable with that thought... it's not really a comfort factor, but rather a HOW factor. What do I do? I'm not going to walk around with my hands in the air in praise. If you do that, great, but it's not for me. I devoured the introduction and moved on to chapter 1 which I also devoured. Do you do that... read something so fast because you are afraid it will go away or you won't get to finish. I guess I really needed ideas and comfort, because I'm racing through it. It will have to be reread, many times I'm sure. People that know me must be thinking, "what?"... not really my style... but I say, I'm definitely in a time of search.

One of Joanne's ideas to invite God into your life is through praise music. I enjoy praise music and usually listen to it in the car. (I'm really a country girl, but sometimes the kids just shouldn't be singing along to the lyrics... you know what I mean?) I'm using my ipod to listen to Songs for Worship... they are upbeat and keeping me moving this morning. She gave an example of walking her dog, Daisy and listening to music and enjoying her surroundings. Strangely enough, I took time yesterday to walk Jeep. It was peaceful. I live in a beautiful place with views of the mountains, so we headed to the campus to take it all in; excpet I found myself staring at the concrete ground and my feet. When I read this in her book this morning

Psalm 121:1-2... lift up my eyes to the hills"

I chuckled... why do I stare at my feet and that matter my dog's behind when I can simply lift my eyes and enjoy the beauty that surrounds me. I'll work on that. This is an interesting adventure; one that I am not all too comfortable with... yet.

Kuddos to Joanne... I'm enjoying and appreciating your book this morning.

Finding Church, again :: 2

Week 2 at church. Are you impressed? Today I ventured back to the same church (UM) with all three children in tow. Pepe, was less than thrilled. I had to pull the 'MOM CARD'... I am the mom, you are 8 years old... get dressed, you are coming with me. I was feeling a bit guilty, but I got over it quickly. The boys tried to bring their basketball cards... nice try... leave them in the car.

We arrived and slowly got out of the car. Oh no, I don't see my friend. Deep breathe. I can do this. No sooner had I thought that when I heard the sound of my friends voice. Saved. It's pitiful, I know.

Into the little white church we go. Drop kids off and explain to nice lady in charge that the boys would like to stay together. At least while they are getting used to things. I back off and watch her try to ask them if they'd like to go with the younger group of older group.... no response. They are not talking to her. I can't watch a second longer. I head back over and tell the boys that it is okay to talk to the nice lady in charge. They decided to go with the older kids... a good choice, I think. Baby Girl is with her friend, holding hands and ready for church.

We leave and head to worship as we crack a few jokes about PITTING OUT and I silently hope for the best. Enter building, shake hands with the Pastor, get a program, find my seat. Ah, I made it. Music begins... it's different this week. No Praise Team, but a delightful young man on guitar singing (he has the back up guitar, drums and piano with him... just to make me know that I am in an upbeat place)... friend leans over and has coined this young man the rock-star... I like... very nice and then, yes, we are standing again. This time for 5, yes... you read right, 5 songs. I decided to wear heals... my legs were cramping. I did, however, enjoy the music.

I am again impressed with the Pastor. He even made me laugh. I was even more impressed when a man interrupted him to share his testimony. He was a man the Pastor had helped off the street. It was not the appropriate time for this man to share, but the Pastor gave him the floor and again, I was impressed. I even filled out the "friend" card... you know the one you are afraid to fill out because WHAT IF THEY THEN THINK THEY CAN CONTACT ME card. I did it though... I'm getting so mature.

Service is over. Find the kids. Baby girl has had a great time and is already trying to run the show. That's my girl. Find boys... they are smiling, throwing a paper airplane and they turn without being prompted and say thank you. WHAT??!?!??!?! I'm impressed.

The conversation on the way home in the car is pleasant and typical. Church in the little-white-church is boring... don't remember what 'the guy' (Pastor) said. But it was fun to fly airplanes and next week is Palm Sunday (impressed again... they got that much) and we can have muffins (ah, ha... they'll be back next week for mini-muffin-cafe... a true perk of this church). AND... they are having an Easter Egg hunt... with candy. Yahoo! Well, I guess they are sold on the food... I'll take it, for now.

Originally, I had planned on taking time to check out many churches. However, now that I've been twice and I've seen my kids happy and I know how much I have to stand and sing I think that I'm okay with it. There are several pros at this point...

• Nice Pastor who can speak
• A comfortable setting
• Close to home
• Mini-muffin cafe
• Great music
• Love the little white church for the kids
• Friendly people
• Programs in place for the children
• I didn't PIT OUT today

See... that is quite a nice list for two weeks of attendance. Now, I've asked hubby to check it out. He isn't a weekly church attender and that is okay. I've known that for 15 years. It is important to me that he has a chance to see and hear and I value his opinion.

Until next week...

Finding Church, again :: 1

I've been on adventure lately to find a church. For 6 years I've been attending a church off and on, but couldn't commit. After a recent upheaval, I became very aware that it isn't the right place for me.

• Where to look, where to go?
  
• Do I go for me or for the kids?
  
• Do I force the kids or let them come if they'd like?

I'd been invited by a new friend (I think we are long-lost buddies) to attend her church. After several months of excuses (I have a cold, my kids have colds, my dog has a cold, etc) it was time to take the plunge.

We went last week, Baby Girl and I. I dropped her off in little kid church and with my friend by my side, went in to worship.

Now, let me give a little background. I was raised Mormon. I quit attending that church when I was 18 and left home. Beginning college, dating, living on my own gave me perspective; the Mormon church wasn't for me. I met my now-husband, and he was raised Catholic. He wasn't attending a church and hadn't for quite some time. I was going to college at a Lutheran school. We got engaged and were married by my Lutheran religion professor. Take a minute and sort all of that out. When my oldest, Pepe, began preschool we attended a Presbyterian church off and on. Now, I'm checking out this new church which is United Methodist...

I sit down in worship and I begin to panic... my kiddo is in kid-church so I have no excuse to get up and leave... no potty breaks, drinks of water, etc. I have to take this like a big-girl. First things first, time to sing. Great... love the music... WHAT? I have to stand. Okay... I can do this, I'll just hold on to this pew in front of me. Whew... that's over. WHAT? we have to keep standing and singing... for three more songs. Ah, done. I can now become one with my seat. Oh, no... not yet, we are standing again!

About this time, whether or not my friend can sense it she is whispering to me and showing me items in the bulletin as I am PITTING OUT! I mean full-on, sweating, heart beating, pulse racing PIT OUT. Feeling the need to bolt, the Pastor stands and begins his sermon. I'm begin to calm down. I'm impressed with what I see. He is dressed in a very nice suit. He is in his mid 50's I assume and his voice is firm, but calming. He stand in front of the pulpit, wearing a microphone. He moves slowly and gracefully across the steps all the while speaking and reciting his sermon. I notice he has no notes. His sermon is delivered and I am impressed. I don't know that I'm so impressed with the sermon as how he managed to give it. I'm a teacher. I appreciate someone with a plan that is executable. He taught, redirected, reaffirmed and never wavered or became off topic. Hmmm, maybe this isn't so bad. And then, we sing... again. Don't get me wrong, I love music. I love to sing. But I grew up singing from a hymnal... no guitar, drums and clapping. Just sitting with a song at the beginning, middle and end of the service. I enjoy this music, I'm just don't do well with change.

Worship is over... I collect Baby Girl and I race home. On my short drive, my breathing becomes normal, and I realize that I am smiling. I enjoyed the service. Baby Girl hasn't stopped talking about her class. Her excitement is contagious. We will return... maybe with the boys in tow next time.

We have an issue..

We have an issue and it is very serious. For some reason, when our socks come off of our feet, we FLING them... doesn't matter where they land... our toes are free and WE ARE HAPPY!

I find my kids socks everywhere... it's really bad. My friend, Frugal Fanny now checks around my house to see where they next pair of socks has landed.


Can you see them in my car? That is my basket that sits by me to keep me organized... not a happy mommy who finds socks next to them... stinky, basketball socks!

Can you see them on the stairs... in the basket... why not in the laundry room?

Can you see them behind the couch?

Can you see them under the couch?

Can you see them on the couch?

Can you see them behind the TV?

Can you see them in the 'kitchen'?


Suggestions? Comments? Ideas? I'll take them all... it's bad, it's really bad!

*** smiling ***

I'm late, I'm late for a very important date... ME (and the kids). I'm on spring break... so much to do, so little time.

It's been a very busy winter. I'm staying home for spring break... I have my lists (too many of them) and I have my goal... to enjoy my house, my kids, my homework, my organizing... my life.

Ewwww... That's Gross!

After a very busy week, including a busy Friday night, I was finally home. I was so excited to get into my pjs and relax. I pulled into the garage and the routine began... let the dog out of the kennel, kids take shoes off... Baby Girl was taking her shoes off, standing at the front of the suburban and says... "Mom, what's that?" while pointing to the front of my car.

(This is not a real picture of my car... I couldn't do that to you... just some random suburban.)

I look and then I look again and then I look again and screech, "DON'T TOUCH IT!" I was scared, but I looked further... it was feathers. Quickly, in my mind I say a little prayer... please let it just be a couple of loose feathers, please let it be a coupld of loose feathers... look a little further and I see claws... OH, MY GOODNESS, I think it's a bird. The three of us (baby girl, Pepe and myself) scream like little girls and shake (because you know, that helps).

Just then, Joe pulled up with Phinneous. "Ummm, honey. I need you to look at the front of my car."

He looks and does the, "NO WAY!" shout. With one fell swoop, he grabs a bag and pulls the poor bird out of the grill of the suburban. I couldn't watch... I ran inside. I'm just so brave, you know.

We both sat and wondered... when did it happen, how long has it been there, etc. I finally ask, "Was it warm?" "Yes", he replies... but that could be because you've been driving around like that all afternoon/evening.

Ewwww! That's Gross!

We Rock

Watching the kids discover, learn, touch and wonder is an amazing joy as a parent.

Sharks, stingrays and starfish to behold.

Looking and watching from a different view.


The joy of writing in the sand... we rock, I love my family, mom and dad rock (from Phinneous).


Loving each other.

Quiet time together.

Playing together... star wars in the dunes anyone?


Exhaustion.

I've learned so many lessons from my kids. On a day like today, when I feel like I'm at the end of my rope I look at these pictures and smile. I can get through anything (even a really hard class that has me in physical pain); my kids learn, wonder, watch and grow everyday. I think I feel myself grow too. Take a deep breath, smile and make it a good day!