First I would like to give a hug and a kiss to my Kristy, because I think you are the only one who reads this. YOU're AWESOME!
We need to get our priorities straight. Who's we? CHRISTIANS! I have had it up to here (pointing to head) with Christians and churches with warped priorities. We have become so consumed with silly things that if Jesus was to come into our churches we would pray that God would help him to conform to us.
"Why can't that guy just be like everybody else? Why does he have to make a spectacle of himself?"
I can actually hear people saying this about our Savior if he was to pop into one of services as a stranger.
I have recently had to deal with some severe Christian immaturity and it gives me a completely new sense of appreciation for Jesus and his life on earth. I had a really bad morning and spent the remainder of the afternoon praying and reading about Jesus pre-crucifixion prayers up until his ascension into Heaven.
Jesus was the Son of God and he had Priests coming up to him and telling him he was doing wrong by God. If you were Him, wouldn't you have wanted to scream,
"OF COURSE I"M RIGHT BY GOD, I AM GOD!"
The Pharisees are still so present in todays society. Being in the Salvation Army, it scares me to death how quick we are to condemn anything that isn't traditionally army. I've actually heard people pretty much say,
"Well the reason we don't do things the way Jesus commanded is because William Booth had an idea to do it a different way."
I love Willy but Are you serious?!? That is so scary to me it's not even funny.
We need to reprioritize. Are we more concerned with the heart or the uniform? Are we going to keep all people accountable or only the ones that we feel comfortable confronting? Are we going to focus on the Word or on the tradition, because God's word can be applied to every era, it never gets old and it's never going to be outdated, but our tradition is. You may be second, third, fourth generation Salvationist, you may have been in the Army for years, but the people you are trying to reach in the unchurched world have not. I'm getting off on another tangent all together but I am spiritually frustrated and I want to scream!
This is the first time that I have made denominational decisions based souly on what my convictions are from the word. In the past I have wanted to seek out other denominations because I was angry or being selfish but God has brought me to a place where I am running my life's decisions through his word and it alone, because it is really the one thing that I can be sure of. I know that God is leading me to a new place and I am really excited about that. I don't want these writings to sound like the ventilation of an angry Salvationist because there is nothing new about that. Instead I plead with anyone who reads this to re-prioritize. What's more important? And when you discover what it is, rely on God's strength to usher you through because if I have learned anything about doing God's will, it is usually going to be hard, unpopular and challenging. Also, expect more from your Christian peers. The bible says that 'Iron sharpens Iron.." And we need to do that for eachother. Don't just keep accountable those people who are easier to come down on then others. Help other people be all that they can be by lovingly bringing your concerns to them about their spiritual lives. It's so important.
I don't know if anything I've said has flowed together at all and I don't even know if it's making any sense to anybody. I just want to send out a thank you to the people who call and write and encourage me with prayer and assure me that I'm loved. Whenever I want to cry, laugh, rejoice or vent, I confide in you and you are the people who get me through and I thank God for you.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Friday, August 19, 2005
Sick-ee-poo
Florida is miserable in the summer time. It's too darn hot!
Speaking of which, it turns out that my husband has Pneumonia! Who gets Pneumonia in Florida in August! Craziness. Keep him in your prayers.
I am so hungry right now. I just bought Jason a chocolate cake. He's been craving one. Sympathy cravings for me. What a sweet heart...
Ever since this whole Pneumonia thing happened he's been refering to himself as, "Dying husband." For example...
"Kathy, would you mind pouring a drink for your dying husband?"
"Kathy, would you mind making dinner for your dying husband?"
Kathy, do you know what would make your dying husband's last days on earth really great? CHOCOLATE CAKE!"
As funny as he is, his cough is pretty bad. We'll be keeping a close eye on it. Where he has Asthma he is at a higher risk than the normal Joe. Poor baby. He never gets sick.
God's love has been very real and evident in our relationship these past few days. We've both been feeling awful but trying equally hard to take care of the other...I play the "Pregnant Wife" card almost as much as he plays the "Dying Husband" card. We've found yet another appreciation for eachother. I think the marriage vows should read, "...In sickness and in health. Even when you're both sick at the same time."
Speaking of which, it turns out that my husband has Pneumonia! Who gets Pneumonia in Florida in August! Craziness. Keep him in your prayers.
I am so hungry right now. I just bought Jason a chocolate cake. He's been craving one. Sympathy cravings for me. What a sweet heart...
Ever since this whole Pneumonia thing happened he's been refering to himself as, "Dying husband." For example...
"Kathy, would you mind pouring a drink for your dying husband?"
"Kathy, would you mind making dinner for your dying husband?"
Kathy, do you know what would make your dying husband's last days on earth really great? CHOCOLATE CAKE!"
As funny as he is, his cough is pretty bad. We'll be keeping a close eye on it. Where he has Asthma he is at a higher risk than the normal Joe. Poor baby. He never gets sick.
God's love has been very real and evident in our relationship these past few days. We've both been feeling awful but trying equally hard to take care of the other...I play the "Pregnant Wife" card almost as much as he plays the "Dying Husband" card. We've found yet another appreciation for eachother. I think the marriage vows should read, "...In sickness and in health. Even when you're both sick at the same time."
Friday, August 12, 2005
Doors
Life has been pretty crazy these past couple of weeks. Ever since we heard that Baby Boo was coming along we've been eagerly trying to figure out our next move. I, unlike alot of women, feel convicted to stay home when the baby is born. I know, I know, call me 1950's but those moments are so precious and I was raised by a stay-at-home-mom and I think I turned out pretty good. We've been exploring many options as to how to make this scenerio work and we're still pretty much in the dark as to what God's plan is for us. I have no doubt that this baby has come at the PERFECT time, because within the confines of a godly marriage that's how God works and it has always been my prayer that God would bless us with Children in His time and not my own, so I don't doubt the timing. This in turn helps me to not doubt the future. God placed this child within me and now he is going to place a future before me. A day or two this week my husband and I fell back into our old ways of thinking, wondering how 'WE' were going to do this and getting frustrated with our present lack of options but after seeking the counsel of several friends, God reminded us once again that there is stuff in the works that we can't see and that we need to pray in expectancy for the future. Which leads me to explain a very blessed turn of events:
We've been praying for God to shut all doors that need shutting and to open the door that needs opening and then to push us through it. While living here in Tallahassee we've had the priviledge of getting to know many wonderful people. We've also developed leaps and bounds in our Christian walk and our understanding of the scriptures. God has led us to discover hidden truths in his word that have literally transformed our lives and our thinking. We serve a powerful God! We've also had the priviledge of joining two church families. Some people may automatically be opposed to this, especially because one of the church's is our place of employment, but Jason and I have been SO blessed to have both of these entities in our lives.
The Salvation Army of course has been a blessing. The tiny congregation and the potential of the future there have been both motivating and inspirational. We love the mission of the Army and the history of the Army. We love what the Army is and we dream of what the Army could be. Through the Army we've been able to help people's physical needs, start new ministries and exercise our spiritual gifts. Although our job does not require us to attend the Corps, we choose to attend because of our deep admiration for the Army. On Wednesday nights we have been attending Lifechurch. Polar opposite atmospheres and yet when linked can bring such fulfillment to ones life. Lifechurch is a branch of the Penticostal church but it is the most biblically, balanced church I have ever attended. I've always been one to be over-cautious about emotionalism and 'putting on a show' almost to the point where I wouldn't have seen the power of God working through someone if they punched me in the face with it. But now I discern using scripture as my guide. So to make a LONG story short, attending both of these churchs has helped my husband and I to grow leaps and bounds in the Lord. And for those of you who are wondering, no, it's not wrong. Our commitment levels to both churchs have been clearly stated therefore we are dependable and held accountable by each plus if a church is going to get angry at us for growing stronger in Christ, then there is a problem. Denominational fueds....Grrrr...almost as ridiculous as The Salvation Army vs. The Red Cross but I'll save that rave for another time.
ANYWAY, God has been opening some serious doors for Jason to minister in Lifechurch. He's been called upon for several weeks in a row to conduct the services there while the head pastor is ill and the associate pastor has a family emergency. This is a huge deal given that Lifechurch has 750 attendees. Under the blessing of our Corps Officer, he has taken on the responsibility of leading back to back services at Lifechurch this coming Sunday. Pray for him and for whatever the future may bring in this ministry. Since the SAMS positions hold 0 stability (given that they are only 2 years in duration) we are going to need God to lead us onward. Perhaps we are to work securlarly, volunteering at our two awesome churchs. Maybe God is leading us into a different kind of ministry in which is name will be glorified and our experience in The Army will make us well equipped. Either way, we're open and ready for where he leads us.
Alot of times Salvationists assume that if people leave the Army it is because they are 'falling away' from God. I assure you that if Jason and I ever do attend another church that will not be the case. We praise God for our experiences in the Army, but we must go where he sends us whether that is to the Army or somewhere completely different.
Wow this is long! I guess I had alot to say! If Anyone actually made it to the end of this, please leave a comment. I need encouragement!
LOVE.
We've been praying for God to shut all doors that need shutting and to open the door that needs opening and then to push us through it. While living here in Tallahassee we've had the priviledge of getting to know many wonderful people. We've also developed leaps and bounds in our Christian walk and our understanding of the scriptures. God has led us to discover hidden truths in his word that have literally transformed our lives and our thinking. We serve a powerful God! We've also had the priviledge of joining two church families. Some people may automatically be opposed to this, especially because one of the church's is our place of employment, but Jason and I have been SO blessed to have both of these entities in our lives.
The Salvation Army of course has been a blessing. The tiny congregation and the potential of the future there have been both motivating and inspirational. We love the mission of the Army and the history of the Army. We love what the Army is and we dream of what the Army could be. Through the Army we've been able to help people's physical needs, start new ministries and exercise our spiritual gifts. Although our job does not require us to attend the Corps, we choose to attend because of our deep admiration for the Army. On Wednesday nights we have been attending Lifechurch. Polar opposite atmospheres and yet when linked can bring such fulfillment to ones life. Lifechurch is a branch of the Penticostal church but it is the most biblically, balanced church I have ever attended. I've always been one to be over-cautious about emotionalism and 'putting on a show' almost to the point where I wouldn't have seen the power of God working through someone if they punched me in the face with it. But now I discern using scripture as my guide. So to make a LONG story short, attending both of these churchs has helped my husband and I to grow leaps and bounds in the Lord. And for those of you who are wondering, no, it's not wrong. Our commitment levels to both churchs have been clearly stated therefore we are dependable and held accountable by each plus if a church is going to get angry at us for growing stronger in Christ, then there is a problem. Denominational fueds....Grrrr...almost as ridiculous as The Salvation Army vs. The Red Cross but I'll save that rave for another time.
ANYWAY, God has been opening some serious doors for Jason to minister in Lifechurch. He's been called upon for several weeks in a row to conduct the services there while the head pastor is ill and the associate pastor has a family emergency. This is a huge deal given that Lifechurch has 750 attendees. Under the blessing of our Corps Officer, he has taken on the responsibility of leading back to back services at Lifechurch this coming Sunday. Pray for him and for whatever the future may bring in this ministry. Since the SAMS positions hold 0 stability (given that they are only 2 years in duration) we are going to need God to lead us onward. Perhaps we are to work securlarly, volunteering at our two awesome churchs. Maybe God is leading us into a different kind of ministry in which is name will be glorified and our experience in The Army will make us well equipped. Either way, we're open and ready for where he leads us.
Alot of times Salvationists assume that if people leave the Army it is because they are 'falling away' from God. I assure you that if Jason and I ever do attend another church that will not be the case. We praise God for our experiences in the Army, but we must go where he sends us whether that is to the Army or somewhere completely different.
Wow this is long! I guess I had alot to say! If Anyone actually made it to the end of this, please leave a comment. I need encouragement!
LOVE.
Friday, August 05, 2005
Monday, August 01, 2005
Cleaning my Apartment
I just finished cleaning my apartment. I've been feeling terrible and FINALLY tonight there was just enough of a break in the nausia to get some much needed house work accomplished. I even cleaned out the garbage disposal. Ick! I organized the medicine cabinet in the bathroom and my bedroom dresser actually has a top to it now! Amazing. I have been embracing the realm of morning sickness this past week. It's been terrible. I mean I was nautious before, but this is just insane! I miss food. I miss loving it and wanting it. I miss watching commercials for it and drooling. Now I watch fast food commercials in disgust. I can't wait till month 4. They say life will be so much better than.
I have somehow developed a sinus problem over the last few days as well. Sinus headaches, runny nose, cough and tonight I am developing a sore throat. Not cool.
This evening my husband and I were able to fit on the couch together and take a nap. We had a pretty good set up. Usually we can never arrange ourselves comfortably but we slept like babies for about an hour. It was nice.
This week him and I are hosting Junior Soldier Day Camp at our Corps. The kids come everyday and learn a lesson, therefore knocking out five lessons in one week. Today went well. They are so LOUD. I think our entire youth group needs hearing aids.
We are leaving for Colorado in less than two weeks for the National Seminar on Evangelism. We went to this seminar last year and didn't particularly enjoy the content of the seminar, but the surroundings are incredible! We did so much hiking and sight seeing and we saw Josh Groban at The Red Rocks Amphitheatre. It was a great get away. This year we need to go as a job requirement. Basically we take an entire week to study a Salvation Track called, "Got Life?" And then in the mid-end of the week we all go out in two's to attack the neighborhood for Jesus. I'm not a huge (please don't hit me) believer in Door-to-Door Evangelism or it's effectiveness. But in saying that, there were several people who gave their lives to Christ last year through the ministry. It's just that every year they go to the same neighborhood and the Salvationist Attack has almost become a joke now to the residents there. I argue with myself all the time about whether it is a positive thing or not. On one hand we are asking people to conform to a God they know nothing about and asking them to trust us even though we're strangers and we're doing by invading their home and their family enviornment. In the end, we can't really maintain a relationship with them and leave them high and dry. The 48 hours after a person accepts Christ is the most crucial for follow up, support and discipleship because Satan gains a giant foot hold after that spiritual high.
On the other hand, prayer is our most powerful tool and we do alot of that at the seminar. There is a prayer walk on the streets where the Evangelism will take place and there is unbelievable possibility in that. Once someone accepts Christ they are given the names of the local officers and the church address and the tracks are pretty easy to follow. I don't know. I'm still wrestling. Let me know what you think.
Well I'm not feeling too hot at the moment. Pray for my belly and for Baby Boo (our nickname for Baby Stock)
I have somehow developed a sinus problem over the last few days as well. Sinus headaches, runny nose, cough and tonight I am developing a sore throat. Not cool.
This evening my husband and I were able to fit on the couch together and take a nap. We had a pretty good set up. Usually we can never arrange ourselves comfortably but we slept like babies for about an hour. It was nice.
This week him and I are hosting Junior Soldier Day Camp at our Corps. The kids come everyday and learn a lesson, therefore knocking out five lessons in one week. Today went well. They are so LOUD. I think our entire youth group needs hearing aids.
We are leaving for Colorado in less than two weeks for the National Seminar on Evangelism. We went to this seminar last year and didn't particularly enjoy the content of the seminar, but the surroundings are incredible! We did so much hiking and sight seeing and we saw Josh Groban at The Red Rocks Amphitheatre. It was a great get away. This year we need to go as a job requirement. Basically we take an entire week to study a Salvation Track called, "Got Life?" And then in the mid-end of the week we all go out in two's to attack the neighborhood for Jesus. I'm not a huge (please don't hit me) believer in Door-to-Door Evangelism or it's effectiveness. But in saying that, there were several people who gave their lives to Christ last year through the ministry. It's just that every year they go to the same neighborhood and the Salvationist Attack has almost become a joke now to the residents there. I argue with myself all the time about whether it is a positive thing or not. On one hand we are asking people to conform to a God they know nothing about and asking them to trust us even though we're strangers and we're doing by invading their home and their family enviornment. In the end, we can't really maintain a relationship with them and leave them high and dry. The 48 hours after a person accepts Christ is the most crucial for follow up, support and discipleship because Satan gains a giant foot hold after that spiritual high.
On the other hand, prayer is our most powerful tool and we do alot of that at the seminar. There is a prayer walk on the streets where the Evangelism will take place and there is unbelievable possibility in that. Once someone accepts Christ they are given the names of the local officers and the church address and the tracks are pretty easy to follow. I don't know. I'm still wrestling. Let me know what you think.
Well I'm not feeling too hot at the moment. Pray for my belly and for Baby Boo (our nickname for Baby Stock)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)