Been there?

Romans 8:26 (The Message)

26-28Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

Ever been to the point you don't even know what to pray? I came across a card that someone gave me with the verse included. It wasn't in the Message translation so I thought I'd check it out. "He does our praying for us." When we don't know what to pray, the Holy Spirit comes alongside and does our praying for us. It's hard to imagine but what a gift. He knows us better than we know ourselves...this is something that I've been thinking about lately. Too many conversations about why I feel the way I do about myself maybe... Wouldn't it be great to see, even if just for one minute, myself the way that God sees me?

Some History

Today the church I'm attending had a commitment ceremony to finish its building program. The coolest thing about the service is that they asked people to come forward by the decades they joined the church. It was founded in the 1940s, and there were people who came forward for that decade. To me, it's amazing that people in joined in the 60s or 70s are still there. I didn't grow up in church, and since I've been a Christian, I've been a part of new churches for the most part. I didn't really want anything traditional. But I'm beginning to think that I'm traditional. The funny thing about this church is that it started a couple of miles from where I grew up. It's been in and out of my life since high school. And now it's this big mega church with a beautiful building. And I feel like I fit there. As much as I feel I fit anywhere. These singles are my kind of singles. Not once have I been frightened by what I heard in Sunday School or saw in action. And it's a place that one pastor stayed for 36 years. He retired, but he's still a member of the congregation. It was interesting to see how long people had been members of this church. But there are a whole lot of them. And the only way to join...go stand in front of them. So I'll be putting that off for at least one more week. Joining is going to require some strategy.

Rest

Matthew 11:28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

As I "dropped" (loudly) my phone this morning, I realized that something has to change. Phone rage that early in the morning is just really not a good thing. And it's only a job, not much different today than yesterday and it's easy to predict what tomorrow will be like. What's the point of letting it affect my attitude? The job won't change. So that means my attitude has to. Or am I looking at something bigger than that? A life change? I'm not sure.

I think about this verse sometimes. It's really a promise to free us from the restrictions under religious law. Jesus brought a new way, a new life, a freedom. But I really want some rest too. Last night, after a marathon revamping session at the beauty salon, I missed my Bible study, so I had 3 precious hours...where I refused to study or do housework. Yesterday was a total whirlwind of meeting, and meeting, and meeting. So I didn't meet last night, something that probably would have helped. I was forced to cook for a potluck today, but even that burden was easier with more time. It all comes back to that time...time to breathe.

And the picture comes from Cute Overload, my favorite form of mood enhancer.

Alright?

I think I might be in a funk. I really am thankful for Christian music. On the way home, I listened to people talk about all that they're thankful for. Which didn't really serve to elevate my spirits much. And then I heard this song "I'm Not Alright" by Sanctus Real. And it didn't really manage to capture my mood but it does seem to get at part of where I am. I do understand the "broken inside" part.

And yes, MJ, there really is a GodTube. I haven't seen one dancing cat on it yet. YouTube still rocks.

Home Sweet Home

That was the title of the message and here's how it starts...
Ephesians 5:22 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.

OK, so I made it back to church today after missing last week thanks to the Houston trip. I knew that Sunday School would be about generosity. There's a building plan going on after all. And then church. I really expected something a little patriotic for Veteran's Day. The songs would play, I'd cry...overall, a good time. But no. Instead it's a "family" message. Husbands love your wives. Wives respect your husbands. And children honor your parents.
Yawn.
I know several women who just get all offended over this, especially if it's a part of wedding vows. I've heard the lunch discussion. And I just totally shrug my shoulders. It literally has nothing to do with me. And I was surrounded on all sides so I couldn't even make my grocery list.

Pretty sure that's an improper attitude for the whole thing. I'm just not really sure what to do about it. Maybe I should search out another message for today.

All Things Are Possible

I think I'm having one of those days. I'm not sure what it will take to get some energy and some purpose. Thinking that way reminded me of this Nicole C. Mullen song. And every one of her songs is a reminder of the power of God. I think I need that today!

Time Out

Do you ever have those? Time outs? Or maybe it's just time away. I've been traveling for my job and so I'm disconnected...different music, no time to read or really think, different friends, different priorities. And now I'm back. And everything is exactly the same as I left it. Nothing stopped while I was gone, but it didn't change either. And now it's time to fill it back up, that cup that I'm supposed to have running over. Right now, it's more like running on empty.

Yesterday I worked a little from home and then got the wild idea to move furniture. I'm like that. When I have things I should do, I can think of a million distractions that normally hold zero attraction for me. Yard work becomes the most fascinating thing in the world in comparison to work deadlines. I hope I'm not alone. Anyway, as I did that, I came across paperwork of my mom's and it occurred to me how unfair it is that I can't remember the things I want to (pin numbers, passwords, phone numbers) but some things I'll never be able to forget, no matter how desperately I want to. Why do you think that is? Maybe it's a matter of importance. Well, I guess it's also a part of growth.

I'm going to start a new study next week on peace. I'm looking forward to it.

Phillipans 4:4-8
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.