Category Archives: spirituality

And They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Arrogance, Judgment, and Intolerance

greatestcommandment

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.

(Matthew 22:36-40)

I grew up in a small, conservative church in New England.  It’s been many years since I’ve gone to that particular denomination with any regularity, but the hymns we sang every Sunday are forever burned into my consciousness.  I remember one song, the touchy-feely emotional type that I outwardly avoided – but secretly loved – that had a chorus that went like this:

And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love.  Yes, they’ll know we our Christians by our love…

I’ve been thinking about that lyric a lot the past couple of days, partly because once something gets stuck in your head it’s there until it’s replaced by something else… but mostly because my social media newsfeeds have been inundated with opinions on this asinine new bill being considered in Arizona; a bill that makes it expressly legal for a business to discriminate against someone – without the fear of a lawsuit – if you feel that not doing so would threaten your religious freedom in some way.

I’m incapable of mincing words at this point, so forgive my bluntness when I say:

What the hell are we doing?

Everyone who’s defending this bill has made essentially the same argument. We have to protect our religious rights! We have to defend what’s right and pure! We have to stand by our biblical principles!

And you know what? I agree. Religious rights are important, and I’m thankful that we have them. I can go to church whenever I want. I can read a Bible while I’m riding on the light rail. I can wear a cross around my neck, and a Jesus fish on my car. I can talk about, or write about, my faith wherever I go. I can accept and respect other people’s religions, and I can appreciate and embrace our differences.

If I stand for anything, it’s for what’s right and pure.

And as for biblical principles – real biblical principles of goodness, kindness, compassion and love – you will not find a bigger supporter. I love the Bible. I love what it’s taught me, and continues to teach me. I love what it’s revealed to me over the past 40 years. I love its story. I love its message of a God who so “loved the world that He gave his only begotten son.” But here’s what I’m wondering…

I’m wondering what part of, “Love your neighbor” is getting confused as, “Love your neighbor unless you disagree with his lifestyle. Love your neighbor unless he’s a liberal. Love your neighbor unless he’s gay.” And before you can say it, I’m not talking about, “Love the sinner, hate the sin” either. I’m talking about JUST LOVING, period, and leaving everything else up to the individual and to God.

I think of Jesus in the Bible and I think of the person “in the trenches.” I think of the guy who was hanging out with the people that no one else would give the time of day. I think of the soul who was spending timing with the tax collectors, breaking bread with the lepers, and conversing with the prostitutes. I think of someone who was healing the sick, helping the poor, and raising the dead.

I do not think of a person who would refuse to serve someone, based on creed or religion or skin color or sexuality. I do not think of a person who would walk away from someone – from anyone – when He had an opportunity to be kind to them, to love them, to minister to them.

I think of Jesus in the Bible, and I wonder how we’ve strayed so far. So far that we’ve forgotten what we were supposed to be doing in the first place. So far that when I think of people who actually emulate Jesus that His followers are the very last people who come to mind.

When did being a Christian become synonymous with using the Bible to brow-beat everyone? When did being a Christian become synonymous with arrogant grandstanding, a tit-for-tat war of words and actions to prove that you’re more Godly, more virtuous than everyone around you? When did being a Christian become about defending conservative reality TV stars, no matter how inflammatory and vulgar their message?

When did being a Christian become about standing behind a ridiculous, intolerant bill that celebrates turning people away, playing judge and jury on others’ lives, and isolating and separating yourself from the very people (ie: ALL people) that you’re asked – commanded really – to love.

Somewhere along the way, this is exactly what happened.

I see the comments from my non-Christian friends… comments about how judgmental Christians are. How arrogant. How intolerant. How cruel. I see the comments and I cringe. Cringe because the comments are hurtful, and cringe because I know they’re right. I’m no stranger to cruel comments on my blog, and the worst – by far – are from my fellow Christians. Often under the guise of “saving” me of course, but cruel nonetheless. And each time… EVERY time… I can’t help but wonder, if I, a fellow believer, am so disappointed and disillusioned with God’s people and their actions, how on earth can they be reaching and encouraging others?

Spoiler: They can’t. They’re not.

We’re missing the boat here, in a big big way.

Christians, we can do better than this. We have to do better than this. I want that old hymn to be true. I so badly want it to be true. Right now, I just don’t think it is. And bills like Senate bill 1062? They’re a giant step in the wrong direction.

I write this to you as a very flawed, imperfect follower of Christ. Lord knows I have my own work to do in the department of loving others. But it seems to me if we can all – all of us – do a little less quoting of cherry picked scriptures like Leviticus 18:22, and a little more living of scriptures like Matthew 7:3, the world would be a much better place.

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Filed under bible, faith, God, hot topics, kindness, love, rant, spirituality

Should Christians Do Yoga?

(photo by MeditationMusic.net)

The first time I took a yoga class was over a decade ago.  I was a new mom looking for ways to re-center, and it was something that I’d always wanted to try.  When my parents gave me some money for my birthday, I decided to treat myself and sign up for a class.    It was nothing fancy… just a basic beginner class at the same Y where I took Mommy and Me classes with my son, but I will always remember it fondly as the class that introduced me to what would become a lifelong passion.

The day after my first class, when I was still feeling that loosy-goosy, super relaxed, post-yoga “high”, I mentioned to a friend that I’d started doing yoga and how much I loved it.  She just looked at me for a long time, before she finally asked,

“Isn’t it a bad idea for Christians to do yoga?”

I couldn’t answer her.  I mean I literally couldn’t answer her.  I had never heard that before, and I couldn’t imagine what might have been wrong with what I’d done the night before.  Plus, to be honest, I was a little bit irritated that I’d shared something I was excited about and she’d promptly rained on my parade.

I did the only thing I could think to do on the spot:  I changed the subject.

I finished out that 8 week class, and spent the next several years just practicing on and off (mostly off) at home.  Then about three years ago, I was called to become a yoga teacher.  I have no other words to describe it.  I was called.  I fought it too, with lots of excuses.  Too much money… too much time… my kids were too young… I’m too much of an introvert… I don’t like getting in front of people.  But the more I resisted, the more strongly it was laid on my heart.   I felt like I had no choice but to eventually answer, “All right, all right, I’ll do it!”

As I went through the 250 hours of training this year, I finally learned – with great clarity I might add – both the answer to my friend’s question so many years before, and the concerns that may have prompted her to ask it.

Yoga originated in the Hindu religion – I begin with this one simply because it’s the easiest to answer.  This is false.  Archaelogical findings show that yoga actually predates all of the world’s major religions.  While Eastern religions did eventually adapt and codify yoga for their own purposes, it did not begin there.  This is an important distinction to make, because many Christians fear yoga as something that was born out of another religion… which just isn’t the case.

Yoga is a spiritual practice that is meant to align yourself with Eastern religions, the occult, etc.   Yoga itself is a methodology, not a theology.  How it’s employed is up to each individual participating.  For example, as a Christian, I believe in prayer.  But I know that Christians are not the only people who pray!  Other religions pray, as well as some people who align themselves with NO particular religion.  While the method of the prayers may be similar, our theologies that we bring to the prayers make them different.   So it is with yoga.   Just like prayer, yoga’s benefits can be used by any (or no) religion at all.

The word “yoga” means to yolk, and join yourself with other Gods.  The word “yoga” comes from the Sanscrit word, “yug” which is translated as “to harmonize,” to “bring together,” or yes, to “harness or yoke.”  Again, I think it’s important to remember that who or what we’re joining with is up to us.  I find the meaning of the word ‘yoga’ beautiful, and think it perfectly illustrates both the coming together of mind, body, and soul; and, as a Christian, the coming together of myself and God.

The postures are meant to praise and worship other Gods.   This is where a lot of people get lost, but I promise it’s not that confusing.  Many Christians who fear yoga use this as their basis.  “The postures were created to worship other Gods.  The postures are inviting evil forces into your heart.  Etc.”   First, as I stated in point one, the postures were not created for that purpose.  Secondly, there is nothing inherently spiritual about a downward dog (or a warrior or a sun salutation) either for good or evil, unless you so decide.   The meanings of the poses come from the intent and the heart of the participant.  Just because one person – or one religion – assigns a certain spiritual meaning to a posture, it does not mean that that meaning then applies to me whether I like it or not.  I’ll be completely honest…. when people tell me that Christians should avoid yoga because we might “accidentally” be worshipping a sun god or a hindu deity, or inadvertently  joining ourselves with some kind of cult, my first thought is this:  Is your faith really so weak that you fear you have no control over what enters your heart, that you have no control over who or what you do or do not worship?  Yes, eastern religions have used yoga postures as part of their worship.  And I don’t mean to make light of it, because I respect that it’s a genuine concern for some Christians,  but… so what?  If some crazy, weird cult sprang up, and decided that as part of one of their spiritual rituals, they would sit naked in a circle in a sweat lodge and eat pizza… would that mean that Christians would then need to forever avoid pizza?  That pizza would suddenly cease to be crust, sauce, and cheese and instead become a harbinger of evil forces?  Of course not.  That’s ridiculous.

Yes, it’s ridiculous.  Pizza is just pizza.

And yoga is yoga.  It is one of the best ways to connect with, stretch, and strengthen your body… while at the same time quieting your mind, calming your spirit, and finding peace in your heart.  As a Christian, I’ve never found yoga to be at odds with my faith.   Just as importantly, I’ve never worried that it would turn me away from God.  In fact, when I’m there on my mat; when I’m finally STILL; when I’ve been able to quiet my mind and actually meditate on something of my choosing (and meditation by the way, is mentioned numerous times in the Bible) what I experience is very much the exact opposite.

It’s like coming home.

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Megachurch Myths


We recently started going back to church after another year-long hiatus.

I really love our church.

I say that with emphasis in part because I just honestly love it that much, and also because it is a first for me.  Having gone to church nearly every Sunday for my entire life, I never went to a church that I genuinely looked forward to.  Never went to a church that I felt excited about.  Never went to a church that I felt compelled to share with others.  Yes, there were specific people that I grew to love, and certain aspects that I enjoyed here and there… but I never truly loved a church until now (and if I’m being honest, there were churches in my past that I not only didn’t love, but that made me outright miserable)  Suffice it to say, my personal church history has made me very empathetic and understanding towards those who have sworn off church altogether.

The church we attend now is a huge church.  It has over 17,000 attendees over the course of its 5 weekend services.  It has a sprawling campus, separate children’s and teen buildings, a rocking worship band, a bookstore, a Starbucks, a cafe, an outdoor grill… all those things that for some reason make a lot of people really really uncomfortable.  Those things that make people come to a snap judgment in their head, and offer up a categorical, “Oh it’s one of those churches.”  We haven’t brought anyone to church with us recently, but we have in the past.  And with a few exceptions, their reactions were undeniably (and strongly) negative.  Which is weird, now that I’m thinking about it, because it would never occur to me to go someone else’s church as a guest, and follow it up with anything other than a “thank you for the invitation,” let alone a critique.

A think a large part of the problem is that in many cases, people make their minds up before they even step out of the car, based on preconceived notions and often times misconceptions.   We all hold these prejudices about certain things, and these so-called “megachurches” like the one we attend are seemingly high on a lot of people’s lists.   They’re judged sight-unseen because they’re …. too big.  Or too impersonal.  Or too irreverent.  Or too much like a cult.  Or something.  And if you go into a church – or into any new situation or circumstance – already having pre-judged it, it’s going to live up to your expectations for better or worse, every time.

The following are some of the biggest misconceptions or myths about megachurches that I hear the most often, along with my responses.  I’m just asking that you keep an open mind, and if you should ever find yourself a guest of a friend or a family member at one of these churches that you enjoy it for the unique experience that it is.  Remember that they have chosen to call that church home for a reason, and that they’ve chosen to invite you for a reason too (and it’s really not to bring you over to the dark side.)

1.  They are impersonal.  

How can you possibly make personal connections in a church with literally tens of thousands of members?  You show up.  You talk to people.  You join small groups.  You volunteer.  You get involved.  Even just taking the kids to their classes every week, we are starting to see the same faces, and get the same familiar greetings.  The pastor is outside the auditorium every Sunday before every service, greeting members, talking to people, throwing a football with a child, just like you’ll often see happen at a smaller church.  Is it possible to remain completely anonymous, go to services, and go home without having talked to a single soul?  Sure (although you’d admittedly have to be pretty rude and ignore the half dozen people that say good morning to you on the way from your car to the auditorium).  But it’s a choice that you are making.  It’s not the fault of the church!  And it shouldn’t go without saying:  I have attended small churches, with maybe 30 members, and have been utterly ignored.  Yes, I could have initiated conversation, but when you’re a 20-something newlywed in a mostly older congregation, it is far more hurtful and uncomfortable to feel rejected by 30 people than it is to be an anonymous member of a church of 1,000’s, where at the very least you can count on an honest and friendly “good morning,” or “good to see you” on your way inside.

2.  They are irreverent.

I went to another church once where was there a huge knock-down, drag-out (not literally) over whether or not it was okay to bring tables into the room that was used for worship, so that it could also be used for pot lucks.   People got so upset about it, they left the congregation.  The issue?  Some people felt it was irreverent to eat in a room that should be reserved for nothing but honoring God.  But here’s the thing.  It’s just a building.  That’s true if it seats 10 or 10,000.   God just wants us to come to him.  He doesn’t care if we do it from a small church or a large church or a mountain top.  He doesn’t care if we’re dressed in jeans or flip flops or our “Sunday best.”  He doesn’t care care if we drink our overpriced Starbucks coffees while we listen to the sermon.  He just cares that we showed up.

Having said all of that… The rock-style praise music that you hear at the start of the service (one of the biggest things that makes people nervous, along with the fact that people sometimes bring their coffee into the auditorium) gradually gives way to slower, more reflective songs.  When it’s time for communion – which undeniably IS a time for reverence – the room is quiet, the mood is appropriately contemplative, and everyone is able to partake in the manner that he or she finds most in line with their own personal interpretation of scripture.

3.  They are all flash and no substance /  They focus too much on entertainment

This is an odd one to me.  Yes, I enjoy the music during the first third of the service.  Yes, it’s nice that they turn it into a whole “experience” with the lights and the instruments and the video screens.  They have talented musicians leading the singing, and they always choose great songs with meaningful lyrics.  I appreciate it.  I appreciate that I’m almost always guaranteed to laugh at least once during each sermon.  I also appreciate the pretty grounds, and the big expanse of lawn where all the kids play between services, and the giant cross at the top of the hill.  But that’s not why I go.  I go because I know I’m going to be challenged each week, every week.  I know I’m going to hear a lesson that’s based not on one man’s opinion, or on tradition, but on the Bible.  I know that I’m going to learn a little bit more about what it truly means to “walk the walk,” and I know that I’m going to be given a practical and applicable “take away”  that’s real and relevant in my own life, right now.

Similarly,

4.  They preach a watered-down, “feel good” gospel.

First, the Bible is above all else, GOOD news.  If you’re going to a church that has neglected to mention that fact, then I think you’re going to the wrong church.  I’m sorry, but I do.  It IS good news.  It’s inspiring.  It’s joyful.  It’s filled with grace.  But that doesn’t in any way mean that all that’s taught is airy-fairy, feel-good, watered-down, spoon-fed nuggets of fluff.   In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever been as challenged to grow as a Christian as I’ve been since we’ve started attending this church (and granted, that may have more to do with where I am in my own personal walk.  But still)  Our pastor never shies away from saying the hard things.  Never neglects to give us the whole truth.  NEVER fails to make me think, and think hard, about why I believe what I believe, and whether or not what I’ve always thought to be true is actually biblical.   It even sometimes makes me uncomfortable, in the best way, because that’s how you grow.  He preaches what we need to hear, not necessarily what we always want to hear.  Last Sunday, the lesson was on materialism, one that cut incredibly close to my core.  We’ve been worshiping money (albeit in a weird, opposite of materialism kind of way)  and it’s wrong.  I don’t know that I would have fully grasped how and why it’s wrong if I hadn’t heard that particular lesson on that particular day.  And while it would always be nice to live in a carefree la-la land where I can get all worked up over money all I want, I’m now facing it.  Precisely because my church does NOT preach a watered-down, feel-good gospel.

And speaking of money,

5.  They cost too much money to operate / They must carry a lot of debt / They are wasteful of God’s resources.

I’ll admit, this one really, really bothers me.  For many reasons.  For one thing, the pastor of our church never set out to create this huge Super Church.  That wasn’t his goal.  He was simply heeding a personal call to evangelize.  When he started this church in 1982, it met in a movie theater.  As it naturally and organically grew, and they needed more and more seats, they began meeting in an elementary school, and subsequently rented other buildings until they were finally able to secure their own land and build their own building.   As the church continues to grow, any time a need arises for new space or new buildings, the members all contribute their funds to make it happen.  When we first started going, they were taking donations for the children’s building that our three youngest so enjoy every week.   In fact we all got to write on the floor before the carpet was laid, as a dedication (which was pretty stinkin cool)    The church is growing and expanding so much that they now have two campuses, and have helped start 11 other various churches as well.

When you consider that as Christians we’re supposed to be winning people for Christ, I have a hard time viewing it as anything but a GOOD thing that this church has grown to the size that it has.  Churches are supposed to grow!!  People are supposed to be getting out into their communities and ministering to people in need.   People are supposed to be inviting their friends and family to church with them.  I personally wonder more about the churches that don’t grow.  The ones that struggle just to maintain their current membership year after year.

Oh, but the money!!  The electricity, the lights, the water, the paper!  Oh the waste!  That money could be ministering to needy people in other countries. 

Well, yeah, it could.  And while I can’t speak for other churches of this size, the church that we attend is actually quite heavily involved in overseas missions.  But the fact remains that this church is ministering to tens of thousands of people RIGHT HERE, who are then going out in to the community and ministering to tens of thousands more.  That is no small thing!!  Does it cost money to do it?  Of course!  And there are lots of people willing to step up and share that burden (or blessing, as the case may be)

6.  They are churches of “convenience.”

The first time I heard this, it was in reference to the fact that there were 5 identical weekend services (although at the time there might have been only 4) But I’ve heard it in other ways too:  The fact that you can go to the cafe and eat your lunch while you listen to the sermon on the big screen.  The fact that the outdoor grill seating area has the Sunday morning ball games playing on its many TVs.  The fact that you can sit in your PJs from the comfort of your home, and watch the video version of any sermon you happened to miss.   In essence, we’re back to the spoon-fed, no-effort-on-your-part assertions from #4.  Here’s my problem with that:   If you’re going to minister to 17,000 people, you’re going to need to schedule different times to fit them all in.  That’s not a matter of “convenience” but of practicality.  Having two services on Saturday and three on Sunday gives people options, and allows them the best possible chance to get the most people to church to hear that week’s message (which, after all, should be the whole point, shouldn’t it?)  As for eating in the cafe, and watching the service … well, as I said earlier, I really don’t believe God cares if we’re eating while we’re worshiping him.   I actually happen to think God likes it when we’re always worshiping him… whether we’re eating or showering or paying the bills.  The sports thing is a non-issue for me.  I don’t watch sports.  But I think it’s pretty darn cool for the people who do.  I see it as nothing more than another chance to hang out with other believers, bonding over a common interest while you eat your freshly grilled frankfurter.   And the video sermon at home?  How awesome is it that in this day and age we have that option when we have to miss a sermon?!    That’s not being spoon-fed.  That’s using the technology given to us by God to further study his Word.

* * * * * * * * * *

When the Bible was written, some 3,000 years ago, there weren’t 7 billion people on the earth.  There was no internet.  No electricity, no running water, no sound systems, no video recording capabilities.  There were no cafes, no Starbucks, and no bookstores.  In other words, there is no sound biblical reason to support the flogging of a church simply because it employs any or all of the above.   The Bible is silent on the specifics of modern-day worship facilities, because there was no practical need (or resources) for their existence.  What is the Bible NOT silent on?  Love.  Joy.  Peace.  Patience.  Kindness.  Goodness.  Faithfulness.  Gentleness.  Self-control.   There are no perfect churches…. not big ones, and not small ones.  But if your church is preaching – and more importantly, LIVING – these nine things, it’s on the right track, whether it has 17 members or 17,000.

 

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Filed under about me, church, faith, misconceptions, religion, spirituality

Plank Pullin’: The one where I feel judged

(source)

It’s Plank Pullin’ time! The one day a week that we strongly resolve to ignore the multitude of specks and sawdust around us and pull one bona fide plank from our own eye. Matthew 7:3-5, style. 

Let me start with a general confession:

People bug me.

I mean, I’m as personable and easy to get along with as the next guy when everyone’s being nice and reasonable and friendly… and I truly enjoy interacting with others who are happy and open-minded and interesting.  But.  I am an introvert through and through, and I get “peopled out” very easily.  Unfortunately, the internet (which is, of course, an invaluable source of those happy and open-minded and interesting people I do like talking to) also provides a veritable and unending stream of frustration in the form of the rude, the arrogant, and lately, the judgmental.

I have felt a lot of judgment lately…. not judgment aimed at me specifically, but aimed towards people like me:  those of the “more Jesus, less religion” ilk.  People like me who truly love God, but who, for one reason or another have rejected the traditional path of organized religion.  Those who have found freedom in the relationship, even (or especially) outside of church, and those who have eschewed a lifestyle built on rules.

It has been following me – and frustrating me – all week.  First was the conversation I happened on about unschooling.  Then it was parenting. Then it was what kind of statuses are inappropriate to post on Facebook. Then it was clothing.  Then it was television. Then it was the proper way to talk to God.  Then it was the proper way to talk ABOUT God.  Then it was the proper kind of church to go to.  “People who know and love God would not xyz.  The bible is clear that we’re commanded to xyz.  You are not a good Christian woman if you xyz.”  Is it any wonder that when, a few days ago, a non-Christian friend bemoaned how judgmental she found Christians, I could do nothing but commiserate?

I don’t fit into a box, Christian or otherwise.

I don’t go to church regularly.
I unschool.
I love tattoos.
I put weird colors in my hair.
I sometimes laugh at inappropriate things.
I sometimes SAY inappropriate things.

…..

And I know that God loves me anyway.

I don’t like feeling judged. But – and this is the part where I finally get around to pulling my plank – my feeling frustrated or angry towards the ones doing it is really no different than the judgment itself. If I’m all indignantly yelling, “How DARE she judge me?” aren’t I judging as well? And how about that… it doesn’t feel nice coming or going.

Whatever journey they are on is just that: theirs. And this one is mine. And I can ignore their existence love them and learn to sincerely wish them well, and rest assured in the peace that comes from knowing that nothing anyone else says can affect my own personal relationship with God.

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Thou Shalt Not Do Yoga

I have a long, complicated history with church. I think the last time I blogged about church, I was at something of a crossroad. We were not going to church regularly, I had concerns about judgment and hypocrisy, and I felt my spiritual life was healthier outside of a church atmosphere.

Now, seven months later, I’m at something of a crossroad.  We are not going to church regularly, I have concerns about judgment and hypocrisy, and I feel my spiritual life is healthier outside of a church atmosphere. 

However.

I don’t want to ever say “never.”  I want to stay open, and listen, and go in whatever direction it is that we’re called to go…. whatever that may mean.

The yoga teacher training I’m going to take is through a Christian yoga program.  I have gone back and forth on this so many times that I’ve lost count.  I want to do it, I don’t want to do it, I want to go through a secular school, I don’t want to go through a secular school, I want to do it, I don’t want to do it.  It’s exhausting.   What I’ve realized though is that no matter how many times I talk myself out of it, for whatever reason, it keeps. coming. back.  I cannot make it go away.  It has been placed on my heart so strongly that I just can’t ignore it, and I don’t want to ignore it.  It’s clearly something I’ve been called to do.  I share that both to demonstrate what my faith means to me, and to give some background as to one of the reasons I’d have such a bias against the ad we recently received for a local church here.

The ad says:

Strobe Lights….. NO
Disco Balls….. NO
Fog Machines…. NO
Choreographed Praise Dancers….. NO
Canned Sermons….. NO
Yoga Classes….. NO
Plastic People….. NO


SPIRIT…. YES
TRUTH…. YES

I understand what the ad was trying to convey.  I do.  They’re proud of the fact that they strip away all the other “stuff”, and concentrate on the simplicity and on the truth.  In theory, I agree with that.  I personally feel closest to God in the middle of the desert, or a mountain, or the woods…. with no walls or pews or Bibles or ministers (or any people, for that matter) in sight.  So I can relate to the sentiment.  
But…
By bringing attention to the very things they want to avoid, they’re making them more important than they need to be, which seems to be the opposite of their intention.  Using those things as a reason to go to their church as opposed to a church that does have yoga classes or praise dancers or strobe lights feels like a negative campaign to me (and is one of the huge reasons that I have little tolerance for political ads)  It’s implying that there’s something inherently wrong with all those things, and I just don’t think there is.  Who’s to say what’s right or wrong when it comes to someone else’s spiritual path?  What if someone DOES happen to like strobe lights or disco balls, yoga classes or bongo drums?  What if those things help bring them closer to God, or help them reflect, or help them worship?  And wouldn’t a church that is specifically advertising as not having certain things only serve to alienate people… people who might otherwise be looking for a church and want to attend?  

There is so much division among religions of the world.  SO MUCH division.  And we’re not making it any better.  We’re even creating division among Christian churches, churches which all claim to be worshiping the same God.   I’ve been to churches that had major conflicts (ie:  people getting so offended that they were leaving the congregation) over things like replacing the pews with chairs,  getting rid of song books and putting the words on an overhead projector, having pot luck dinners in rooms other than the designated “fellowship hall.”   These things don’t matter. Preferences over lights and praise dancers and yoga classes don’t matter.  

A few weeks ago, this photo of Christians holding hands and forming a protective ring around praying Muslims in Egypt was going around Facebook.  That’s what life should be about.  It should be about coming together, not finding more reasons to get further apart.  It should be about helping one another and loving one another and accepting one another, regardless of where or how or whom one chooses to worship.  It should be about finding the common thread, instead of looking for the different one.

It should not be about splitting hairs over inconsequential things that at the end of the day just. don’t. matter.  

I don’t know what the future holds as far as my family and church.  I really don’t.  What I do know is that if I’m ever taking a yoga class with plastic people and choreographed praised dancers, while listening to a canned sermon, under the glow of strobe lights, the brightness of disco balls, and the haze of fog machines… that the God that I know and love will be there with me.

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My New Vision Board


A vision board, or dream board, is basically a visual representation of goals, dreams, and wishes. The concept draws on the Law of Attraction which states that like attracts like, and that whatever you focus on will manifest itself in your life, whether positive or negative. I love this idea and have always made myself various version of vision boards since long before I knew what it meant.

Most of what’s on my current board is pretty self-explanatory, from building my faith, to getting out of debt, to continuing my natural health studies, to furthering my yoga practice, to hiking and exploring more of the earth. My favorite part though is the big blue picture of the family right in the center. I love the picture, and I love that it’s a family of six, with someone to represent each one of us. No matter what the year brings, at the end of the day, it’s going to begin and end with my family.

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Away in a Manger


Day 21 – Go Geocaching

No new pictures for today, other than our friendly little snowman. Today was… ok. We went out for a few geocaches, braved the grocery store to prepare for Friday, and I tried not to be completely bummed out by the fact that vacation has begun and I’m still sick.

Here’s a picture from Saturday night’s show though, both because it was a visually beautiful presentation, and because it provides a nice reminder of the “reason for the season.” It’s really not about me and my illnesses. Shocking.


That’s my sister as Mary, and my brother in law as Joseph. The animals were all real, but baby Jesus was not. Tegan was still enthralled by him, and couldn’t wait to go up and meet him after the show was over. I love that all my children are taking their own paths to come to know and love Jesus.

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