Church is Family

Family. Nobody should be without it.

Yesterday I was one of the teachers for children's church. The Bible application was a bit of a stretch for young kids, but the basis was about how the Lord blesses our families through us. We started out by putting the kids into two groups and asking them to make a list of things they had in common with each other. This was the absolute best. I loved watching them discover one another...smile, laugh, and even share in disgust. The other teacher and I wanted to let this activity linger. We decided that THIS was exactly what we needed to be doing in kid's church every single sunday (in some way). We ended up greatly modifying the lesson, and even changed the memory verse for the week. To be honest, the original Bible application was virtually lost. But hearts were blessed through this little family...the little children's church family.

There's an old chorus we used to sing at church all the time when I was a kid and it started out: "I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God..." Inherently, we all want to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. We want relationships. We need them, actually. Instead, so many of us are stuck in our own self-pity ("the church didn't reach out to me" or "the church offended me"), or our own self-righteousness ("I don't need the church"). The Family of God (church) is not immune to drama, scandal, cliques, deceit, failure, gossip, etc. And what's sad to me is that people leave the church because of these very things. As a result, issues are never dealt with and the spiritual growth of the church is stunted. But what the church needs is for those people to stay, share what they have in common, as well as their hurts, fears, joys, wisdom, etc. We need to help carry each other's burdens and love unconditionally. Sometimes, all that requires of us is that we just be there.

I had a lot more written on this topic, but I decided to erase it all. I don't know if it was because of fear (lack of faith), or wisdom. Or maybe I'm just a coward for not pointing out the truth. My imperfections and insecurities certainly don't help me to be bold for Christ. Whatever the reason, I just don't think the easily offended world wants to hear what I have to say.  However, I will ask this one question: If you call yourself a Christian, and you've excluded yourself from the Church (Family of God), what's your reasoning?

"The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don’t, the parts we see and the parts we don’t. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance." (1 Corinthians 12:25-26 The Message)

We need to stick together through all the "yuck" and all the "yay."

And that's that.

Blessed to be One of the Committed Few

As many already know, we've been attending a newly planted church in our little town.  It's actually a satellite location for a church down the highway a few miles, in Warrenton.  Being a part of this long-prayed-for start-up has been one of the most exciting experiences of my life.  I could relay all of the wonderfully intricate details of how this idea of a church was thought up, planned, and executed...but I'd rather just move on to the meat of my thoughts.

To say that this church means a lot to me is an understatement.  Oh, if you only knew how much I have vested in this endeavor. Our very first meeting was held at my house with folks I had spent months chatting with...hoping that they might see the value in bringing this church to Knappa.  Thankfully, we now have a committed few who are faithful to be there.  A committed few.

Last Sunday, as I was sitting in the pew with my husband and kids I could hardly focus beyond my thoughts. I didn't even sing in worship, and I half-listened to the message.  My mind was wandering in the valley of anger, worry, and discontent. "Why aren't there more people here?" "Is our church going to fizzle?" "Why don't people make church a priority anymore?"....and on and on.  I knew I needed to change my attitude, but the discontent continued to stew.  I was tired of trying to be a cheerleader for the church, tired of hoping friends would show up, and tired of being one of the committed few.

The pastor's message was coming to a close and he caught my attention with something he's said many times before..."church isn't a social club." And he went on to talk about how church is a safe haven for the lost, and how it's our job as Christians to seek and save the lost.  It's that simple!  So often I get sidetracked into thinking that church is for "me."  When really, "I" am the church!  I don't go to church to be served...I go to serve others.  We all make excuses for not going to church...too tired, need a family day, got a sports commitment...or the biggest one..."I'm already a Christian and I don't need church."  Well, I've got news for you...the church needs YOU!

Pastor Tony really made me think about this, and I wish I could just repeat exactly what he said.  It's nothing that I hadn't heard before, but it was exactly what I needed to hear at that moment. The church needs its Christians to do what they are all called to do. What kind of an impression are we making if the "lost" come to church to find that none of its Christians are there?  Do you think those people will ever want to come to that church again?  The "lost" are looking to us (the church) to be an encouragement in a discouraging world. That is our job!

 It isn't about me.  Believe it or not, I actually tell myself this every Sunday (especially on the days I have nursery duty!)...but last Sunday my mind was in a fog, and  I was having a hard time getting beyond "myself."  It was odd timing, as my kids didn't rattle on a handful of complaints that morning about having to sit in service.  We don't have a children's ministry beyond childcare for kindergarten and under.  The fact that we don't have a kid's program is also a sore spot for many.  For some people, they don't come to church because there is no children's ministry.  I understand...having kids in service can be difficult.  I was raised going to church every Sunday, and I spent many many Sundays "suffering" through church during times when children's ministry wasn't available.  Guess what? I survived!  And though I feel bad that my kids don't enjoy a dynamic service geared just for them, I know that (if anything) they will always remember watching their parents worship the Lord through singing, studying, and communion.  It's a good thing.

That brings me to my last thought.  Communion.  Growing up, taking communion was a very serious act.  We were asked not to partake until we understood the meaning, and were able to partake thoughtfully.  Unfortunately, many folks see it merely as a "religious" act and allow their kids to partake even when they don't know what it means.  Our church takes communion every Sunday, and every Sunday my kids take it as well.  Of course, I have spoken to them about communion and they understand.  However, kids will be kids, and it's hard to tell sometimes if they are only eager do what everyone else is doing.  Well, last Sunday, after the pastor had my attention with those last few minutes of his message, we moved on to communion.  I was already prayerfully preparing to receive communion and not paying attention to my surroundings.  Usually, the rustle of my kids next to me is enough for me to open my eyes and notice that the bread and the juice are being passed to our row.  This time was different.  My eyes were open as Synnove and I were handed the tray, but Soren's hands weren't reaching on the other side of me.  I glanced over to see him with his eyes closed and bowed head rested on his folded hands...and his lips were silently moving in prayer.  I grabbed his juice and bread for him and silently wept in thanksgiving to God for showing me, yet again, the reason I'm blessed to be one of the committed few...

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:23-25)

The Parts of my Summer that didn't Involve Photos

I know it's been a long time.  Truth is, I'm so overwhelmed with photos and stories of the rest of our eventful summer, that I don't even want to begin catching up.  Maybe I won't catch up.  Honestly, I could count on one hand the amount of hours I have spent sitting in front of my computer in the last several months.  Every day holds a new adventure and the sunshine has been a non-stop reminder of how sitting at my computer desk should be last on my to-do list.  This has been the sunniest coastal summer I can remember.  Growing up here made me appreciate sunny days...as we don't often get too many.  I think it's rained twice since the 4th of July...unreal.

Anyway, besides all the fun I had with my family, my summer was filled with change, sorrow, excitement, calamity, pain, and work.

Change:
Well, to make a long story short, Adam was finally rewarded with a promotion of sorts.  After 10 grueling months of double- and triple-duty, he was offered two different jobs within GP.  After a lot of prayer and weighing the pros and cons, he decided on taking a job for the pulp and paper division (North American Consumer Products) of Georgia Pacific.  He's now the leader of Chemical Process Safety for the division.  Yeah, he's kind of a big deal.  I'm super proud of him and glad to see that his under-appreciated hard work and success is being recognized and rewarded.

Since beginning his transition in July, he's been traveling a lot.  This will be a new "normal" for us as his new job requires 40-50% travel.  However, when he's not traveling, he gets to work from home! That's right folks, he no longer works at Wauna Mill!  As much as he will miss many of the people he worked with there, he's excited to be in a much more low-stress environment For now...and maybe even permanently...he has made himself an office down in his shop.  So far it's working out nicely.

Sorrow:
I've been on a mini roller coaster of heartache and hope with a dear relative of mine.  He's drug-addicted and beat down.  Satan has gripped his soul and my heart breaks for him.  By a series of God-ordained "coincidences" I was able to spend several moments with him on a handful of occasions...loving him and encouraging him the best way I know how.  Currently, he's in jail...and sadly, I feel relieved.  I continue to have hope and pray God's blessing over him.

Excitement:
For over a year I've been praying for a pastor to come to our area...someone to help us (me with other folks in the community) start a church.  And through a long and detailed and amazing series of events, God has answered my prayer. Oh my goodness gracious...God has answered my prayer!

Calamity:
My dad had a big health scare!  It's a long story that many already know.  To sum it up, he grew a huge lump on his neck over the course of a few days and had an extreme headache.  Our local hospital didn't know what it was so they sent him in an ambulance to OHSU.  After some tests and a lot of waiting they thought he might even have cancer!  In the end, doctors removed a very large thyroid cyst and half of his thyroid with it.  It took a bit to recover and he's still plugging away.  We are so thankful that God has restored him and his health!

Pain:
I hurt my foot!!  About a week before Labor Day my dog barreled into me and my poor foot got the brunt of it.  Basically, I lost a big chunk of skin and the rehab has been ridiculous!  Initially, I let it scab over and hobbled around for a good week wearing one shoe.  The bruising along with the road rash was painful.  Anyway, when I got home from our Labor Day camp trip, the pain seemed to get worse daily.  Every step I took made the scab pull away from my healthy skin and I could hardly walk.  I tried passing the time by enjoying the sun, but the sun made it hurt sooo bad...even covered and wet!  Long story short, I've had to keep the scab wet and the healing has been long.  I can only wear special sandals...even flip-flops are painful.  It's been nearly 4 weeks.  It's looking WAY better...but I still have a bit before I can wear real shoes. 

Other than that, Synnove badly bruised her tail bone when she fell out of a tree.  And Soren was bit in the face by a dog (in the dog's defense...she was provoked...but still unfortunate).  I'm glad we made it through another summer with no broken bones or hospital visits!

Work:
Andrea and I worked through the summer cleaning houses.  We took a few weeks off in August, but I managed to find other things to occupy my days.  Unfortunately, I didn't do one ounce of painting on our house (my intent)...but I did help a friend paint hers.  Adam has been working during his "free" time on the fence for our field.  He's also been tinkering around with his "new" car (ugh!).