This Sunday we became OFFICIAL MEMBERS at our new Church. It felt amazing to be welcomed into this awesome family we've become intertwined with over the last few months! I loved in our "Member" classes (which we did by DVD because of our opposite work schedules) the emphasis was all placed on what spiritual gifts YOU have and how YOU can share yourself and your talents to make the church a better place. They also emphasized living a Christian LIFE. I love that it's an active approach, there is so much to be involved in, and it all doesn't just revolved around just being in church on Sunday morning. That's only PART of the equation. And not only do they emphasize this...they LIVE this.
During the sermon Pastor James talked about Saints for "All Saints Day". During this time he talked about the members of the church that had died over the last year. In essence he talked about how the world may look at this handful of people and say, "Well they're not that great!" but in all actuality each of them was! They were great spouses, parents, grandparents, bakers, craftsmen, etc. He challenged each of us to be GREAT. He went on to say, we're all here to SERVE not to be SERVED so we should use our greatness to serve others. It made so much sense. The message was awesome. The people he talked about, I knew not ONE of them, and yet their stories really were GREAT!
It's all made me stop and try to get a little grip on myself and my attitude. Things have been hard...OH YES! Each day has been full of challenge... FOR SURE. But I'm here to do great things. God never asks more of us than what we can handle. Everything happens for a reason and this challenge in our lives is all for a specific reason. Yes, my life is busy and I'm working on finding time for myself and my friends...but I'm OK because I have support. I just need to reach out and accept that support.
My husband and I have been working hard to become a united team front. It's not easy but it's achievable. We implemented family meetings in our house every Sunday when we get home from church with an official "agenda" and all. We're trying to keep the communication open and everyone on board so no ONE person (*cough cough* me *cough cough*) is feeling so overly overwhelmed by the entire life change. It's a step. A small step in a LARGE ocean of change, but this week already feels more blessed and less stressed!
Teach your children right from wrong, and when they are grown they will still do right. -Proverbs 22:6
