Last night, as a church, we sponsored a renewing your vows wedding ceremony. It was such a special time of simply "Doing Life" together. It was intimate and fun. We even danced a little just to top it all off.
But the most precious thing for me, besides renewing our vows, was simply hanging around a lot of amazing and wonderful people. It was a lot of work putting the event together and yet the labor was such a labor of love.
There's something powerful that happens when you labor together for a common cause or event. It bonds you with others and that's the essence of "Doing Life."
I'm so honored to do life with an incredible spiritual family. So many believers don't have a concept of spiritual family and I hurt for them. Its not the "easiest" way to do church but for me its the only way to do church.
Till the Next Random Moment,
Pastor J
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9 comments:
Thank you for your prayer. I am still waiting for a response from God, wondering what the next step is. But at least knowing someone cares is helpful. I don't know what else to say unless i start babbling my life but i just wanted to say thanks and i hope things are well with you and hopefully god will see me through these times b/c they are rough and scary.
as i said before, i'm honored to pray with you and for you. feel free to "babble away." there is something powerful and therapeutic about writing out our "stuff.'
why do you think i'm blogging! (smile!)
blessings and grace,
pastor j
so this is kind of random but i've been looking for someone else's insight on the situation. So i'm a relatively new chrsitian, like i went to church a lil in HS but now (in college)i am really trying and working hardcore to "make up" for lost time and change many things that were instilled in me. So reading the bible is where i start.. and thats where i feel like i'm in this circle. I start reading and i have a million questions, which people tell me is a good thing.. but then nobody has the time to sit with me and answer my questions or they just assume i know things b/c "everybody" knows this story or that story, but i didn't grow up in a christian house or church at all so i'm almost 2 decades behind. and that makes me upset so then i slowly stop reading, becasue i don't understand and then i'll have some time where i dont 'read, and then things get bad, and then i'll start reading again but the whole process happens again where i can just read as much as i want, but i dont understand things and everyone has a busy schedule in this day and age so they are usually either too busy to explain things on a level i can understand, since i'm still a baby christian working my way up, or i'm to embarassed/ashamed to ask some people because i dont' want them to feel like they "have" to try and find time for me.. does that make sense. i dont' know if it does. but u said babble away, so there i went.
Question: How do you eat an elephant?
Answer: One bite at a time.
Not to seem trite or flippant, but there is a lot of truth to that simple anecdote. I've been doing this for 21 years and I see people attempt bite off more than they can chew spiritually.
Slow down. Pace yourself. Give yourself as much grace as God has given you. This is not a sprint, it's a race that lasts a lifetime, so pacing yourself is critical.
I admire your desire to grow and develop, but like a fine wine, it takes time to ferment and age.
You're right, everyone is busy. But God is able to connect with someone or a small group of "someone's" who can help you grow.
Your local church is the key. I understand your plight. I was exactly where you are... albeit a few years ago. I got connected to a group of believers who loved God and were all about the Kingdom.
I grew by being in that atmosphere of faith and worship. Be patient, it takes time. Keep seeking Him... He is there with you.
I'm still praying for you. Be encouraged today and pace yourself for the long haul.
Blessings,
Pastor J
You are my local church. And I don't know if its that i bite off more than i can chew, but rather that once I start learning I dont' like to stop and i just want to keep learning and keep reading. Growing up i was taught for years that i have to deal w/my problems b/c other people have their own problems so part of my battle is being able to open myself up to other people, and yet i feel that i can only ask so much.. And i don't want it to seem like i'm blaming everyone else for me not learning, cause i'm not like that at all.. its just that i feel like i'm blindly walking and im not really sure which direction to take the next step in and it makes me feel ignorant when i have to keep going "i need help" or "i don't understand" etc, because I feel like i've made no progress. And yet i know most of that is just stuff I have to live through, i have to deal with. but anyway, i appreciate the comments. gotta run to class. later.
You talked about Physical Touch today as a love language. But my question is if that's your love language, and your not in a relationship, but you wanna stop looking in the wrong places, how do you fill that void until you're in the appropriate relationship?
As I mentioned in the message today, physical touch is not just about sex. Sexual fulfillment is only one element of many in this arena.
It sounds like you are referring to physical intimacy with the opposite sex... whereas the message was not only about the opposite sex, but appropriate touch in general.
I sympathize with you. We live in culture that continually bombards us with the message that sex outside of marriage is "normal" and to be expected. Yet, God's Word is clear that sex outside of marriage is a perversion of what God intended. There's the dilemma.
You need the touch and affection of others, but it must be sought out appropriately and in healthy ways. For me, it's a handshake, a hug, a pat on the back or shoulder. It conveys love, support and encouragement.
Sexual physical touch is whole other issue. My prayer for you is that you can find appropriate ways to express your Love Language of Physical Touch until that day when you consummate your marriage.
It's difficult, but there is much grace available to you. I do hope this helps a little. Be blessed and encouraged today!
Pastor J
Just wanted to let you know that i had realized it wasn't about sex, and thats where i was trying to figure out how to not be "empty" and stay "good" at the same time, thats all. anyway, thanks. hope your moving and unpacking went/goes well.
Just wanted to let you know that i had realized it wasn't about sex, and thats where i was trying to figure out how to not be "empty" and stay "good" at the same time, thats all. anyway, thanks. hope your moving and unpacking went/goes well.
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