Whether is Go to Church or Not

God in the Dock, C.S. Lewis

Here is Lewis’s answer to whether it is necessary to go to church:

"When I first became a Christian, about fourteen years ago, I thought that I could do it on my own, by retiring to my rooms and reading theology, and wouldn’t go to the churches and Gospel Halls; I disliked very much their hymns which I considered to be fifth-rate poems set to sixth-rate music. But as I went on I saw the merit of it. I came up against different people of quite different outlooks and different education, and then gradually my conceit just began peeling off. I realized that the hymns (which were just sixth-rate music) were, nevertheless, being sung with devotion and benefit by an old saint in elastic-side boots in the opposite pew, and then you realize that you aren’t fit to clean those boots. It gets you out of your solitary conceit."

Zoë's Sunday School First

So, Zoë has moved into the 2 year old sunday school class. :-) Today was here first day even though her birthday is next week. It was PRECIOUS! She is a hoot! She walked right in and said, " Bye, mommy, see you later!" and went to take a seat by some other kids. She then told the teacher, " I am hungry!" (SHE HAD JUST ATE!! LOL) I guess she knows that there are crackers for snacks and/or I don't feed her enough breakfast, LOL. When I came to pick her up she had a picture that she had made. I was surprised to see how much she had learned in one class. She had made a picture of the moon and the stars and there was a verse from Genesis attached to her picture. She proceeded to tell me that Jesus had made the world, the sun and the moon. I could have cried. My precious baby is beginning to form her foundation of faith. Thank you to ALL of you who volunteer your time/energy/money etc. in being a teacher, a leader, a mentor etc. in the church. You ARE needed and valued. Praise the Lord that people use their spiritual gifts to impact the lives of children, teens, young adults, adults and seniors... for Christ and His kingdom. I am so GRATEFUL and am seeing part of the impact in my daughter's life! Thank you!!

Powerful Verse

Revelation 5:9-10 And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. 10 You have made them to be a kingdom and preists to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."

I am studying Revelation right now. Chapter 5 made me tear up and feel the gratefulness of what Christ has done. The redemption story is so very powerful. Sometimes in my daily life it gets lost. I challenge you today to take in the redemption story from beginning to end and thank God. Praise Him!

Every time you venture out in your life of faith, you will find something in your circumstances that, from a common sense standpoint, will flatly contradict your faith. But common sense is not faith, and faith is not common sense. In fact, they are as different as the natural life and the spiritual." ~Oswald

Super Summer 2010

"There are five gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and your life. Most people will only ever read the fifth." ~Joseph Barkley at Super Summer 2010

Such an interesting/ funny post about us and God...enjoy

When we apply our human standards to God's, it’s like dogs applying canine standards to us. Our conclusions will invariably come up short. (click here)

Beautiful, Refreshing Day

It is days like today, warm and lovely, that I thank God he has created the seasons. I am SO thankful for spring when it comes. I am also thankful for the dreary winter becuase it makes spring so much sweeter when it comes. Maybe that is why we experience pain at times. To allow the times of joy to be so sweet, that we can do nothing else but praise God and be grateful for what He has given us in this life.

We fear that God might actually be enough--and we don't want that--because if He is, all our pet pursuits will be invalidated. ~thoughts of Abram Hagstrom

Often the difference between where you are and where God wants you to be is the painful decison you are unwilling to make - Craig Groeschel

Philippians 4:4-9

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Scripture verse

Assurance of Salvation

1 John 5:11-12

And this is the testimony, God has given us eternal life and this life is in his Son, he who has the Son has life, he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Check out Passion 2010

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Luke 2:1-14

Luke 2:1-14

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.
2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
3 And everyone went to his own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.
5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,
7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."



One of my very favorite pieces of scripture is the angels visiting the shepherds. I always am whisked away in my imagination for a brief moment in time wondering what it would be like to experience something so incredibly supernatural. What did the shepherds say, or do? Was it an ordinary night, or was there something else a bit amiss during that night? Was any shepherd not there that night? Perhaps detained and ended up missing the whole thing? What did they even say to each other in the midst of their being terrified? Were they awestruck? Dumbstruck? There are those moments in life when there is no way of conveying how you feel in the moment. I am thankful this year for the awe inspiring things in my life. I am thankful to an Aunt who lived her life well. I am struck speechless at times to describe this little person in stature but a mighty warrior in spirit. She is missed greatly. I cannot describe the new level of love that I feel towards my daughter Zoë. How can you even begin to describe the love you have for a child? I now know a bit more than I did before, of God's love for us, while thinking of Him sending His son as a baby to this earth. I am also thankful for my husband Paul. I have seen him serve me at my worst and I am grateful for his gentle, tender, patient, and kind spirit. I see the fruit of the spirit in him everyday. I guess I am struck by the little things that God allows in our lives to see a glimpse of Him, like the angels that night singing with the shepherds and bringing good news. Tonight I am thinking of our good friends in Africa, for those people preparing to go and minister in other countries. I am praying for those people who are hurting for lost loved ones, in pain, or far from those they love. Lord, may your peace rest on them and may you give them a glimpse of your glory in their lives.