Working For What?

Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

Recently, I've been giving a lot of thought to church and how it relates to my faith in Jesus Christ. By all means, I believe in the Body of Christ and that we, as Christians, comprise that Body. I know it's an old cliche, even an children's song, that the people are the church, not the building itself. I know that to be true for sure. Beyond the church I grew up in as a child, which was in a church building, every church (except for our most recent) that I've served in has met in some other type of building. One intended for a different purpose than church. So, of course, I can say with all my heart that church is the people.

What happens to these people though? These people that are the Body. We all start working our tails off and say it's in the name of Jesus. Now, I'm not suggesting that many aren't serving Him, in fact I believe that He is pleased when we serve. Afterall, how else would a church function. No, but what I'm suggesting is that many many among this Body begin to lose focus. If what we are doing is for Jesus, then why are we complaining to one another about the burden of serving? Isn't that the million dollar question?

Now, let me step back for just a minute and make a preface if I could. I have friends that I know are serving the Lord for all the right reasons. And I know that even when they complain a little about their service it doesn't automatically negate the good that they are doing for the Kingdom. I'm trying not to generalize here.
With that being said, I think back to a recent conversation that I had with a friend that, like me, has grown a little disheartened by the state of the Church right now. I find it to be no coincidence that though we are living is separate states, nearly the same words could be echoed from us both. And it's not just the two of us! There is a startling state of being in the Church right now! Perhaps it's always been this way and I'm only recognizing it now. I don't know, but whatever the case, I'm troubled by it.

Getting back to the "works" idea that I began with. What I witness so often when I attend church, be it one that I am familiar with or one that I am trying out, is instead of going to experience God, people are running around "serving" and before they know it, service is over and it's time to get on with the rest of the day. Only to return mid week to run around again. Where are these people being filled? Where are they experiencing God? I guess it's not wonder that they are complaining!

I am convinced that most of these people, when asked, "why not take a break and just worship during the service and hear the message?", would respond, "Oh, I can't becuase who would do what I'm doing?" or "I'm committed, I can't take a break." That's when I think it's so important to turn to the Word and read the passage of scripture that I put at the top. The work we do in the church isn't going to save us. And I am certain that God is more pleased with those who are meeting with him through worship and are being changed by a message or teaching than those who are running around doing things that if left undone, wouldn't really matter.

Okay, so there's my piece on that. Let me just say for the record that I've fallen into this category of people that I just described above. And I've done it for all the wrong reasons. Impressing people is my main downfall. I've never lacked security in my saving relationship with Jesus Christ, but I have always had a bit of a need to impress people. Ask me what my reward has been... Nothing! I've gained nothing from attempting to impress those around me. At the times that I've let go of the idea that what everyone else thought really mattered and I've focused that energy on my communion with The Almighty? That's where the reward is! That's where I've been changed, filled, grown and loved! That's where it's at!

The Worst Part of Parenting

Most days I'm an optomist. One who likes to find the best parts of things like parenting. And I'll say, there are many great things. But, for the last week, we finally experienced what I certainly think was the WORST part of parenting.

All three kids were sick at the same time! I mean throwing up & diarrhea sick! What a nightmare. As soon as we had one kid cleaned up, it was time to clean up the next one! It all started Super Bowl Sunday with Andrew and quickly spread to Anna and Alissa by the beginning of the week. Of course, all I kept wondering was when Eric and I would get it. I mean come on, how could we avoid it?

By Thursday, Andrew was pretty much over it, but the girls still had it pretty bad. At one point on Friday I called my mom and just cried. There came a point in time after changing diapers about every 10 minutes that I just felt like I couldn't do it anymore!!!! I just needed my mom's voice and a little pep talk.
That afternoon Eric came home from work early... sick!

I was scheduled to complete my orientation and start on my own on the new unit at work on Saturday and Sunday respectively. It was fine and funny to joke about the irony of me ending up with it when I was supposed to work, but not so funny when it actually happened.

Saturday I went to work and felt rotten first thing, but tried to stick it out. By 3 or 4pm I was so sick and running to the bathroom frequently enough that it was interfering with my work. Not to mention that when I'm caring for ill people who are likely immunocompromised anyway, it's just not right for me to be bringing sick with me everytime I enter their rooms.

By 4:30, I was walking out the door. I did my best! But it never feels right to leave early, even when you know you are justified.

I was sick in bed for two whole days with a fever a large part of the time.

Today is Monday, the beginning of a new week and everyone seems to be feeling tons better. Eric's at work and I'm feeling good this morning. All three kids are up and about with no signs of illness.

Thank God that one's under our belt. At the end of it all, I give thanks for an amazing husband (whose birthday is today) who will clean up throw up and my kids who show that they need me and love me even when the situation is so glum. But mostly, I feel so thankful for a God who builds my character and showers me with blessings.

Da Bears... I mean COLTS!!!

Could you ask for a better Super Bowl? Who ever would have thought the Bears and the Colts facing off in the final showdown of the season? For me, my allegance was divided, I must admit. Growing up in Indiana, it goes without saying that I'd be Colts fan, but my childhood memory of those '85 Bears and the Superbowl Shuffle is so endearing, plus, Chicago is my home now! But, when it came down to it, and I had to choose a team (cause you know, you can't be for both teams...) my heart went with the Colts. Truly! I'm not just saying that cause they are the World Champs! I am so happy for Tony Dungy and for Peyton Manning. What a class act! I find it amazing that many times you'll hear a superstar say "Thanks to God", but the sincerity is lacking to say the least. Here, you have an owner and a manager that just emit their gratitude to The Almighty! So impressive-- which ironically isn't at all the purpose of their sentament.

Now, about the game itself. Have you ever seen more turnovers... in the first half, let alone the whole game? Crazy! And, as if Chicago wasn't already hard enough on Rex Grossman, this game will be hard to overcome. To have 2 missed snaps and an interception all in a row is tough, even if it is raining! I feel bad for the guy cause he's taken a lot of heat throughout the season. In a way, I was at least hoping he'd have a redeeming game... but the Colts would still win! Oh well, at least part of that scenario went my way! I hope that Rexy gets another shot at it.

Now, I guess it's on to the Pro Bowl and the end of the '06-'07 football season. Why do I love the end of the football season...?

Now it's time for the Big Show... Baseball season!